Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata
Kolkata, May 23: Mohun Bagan Super Giant has refused to release its players for the Indian national football team before the official FIFA international window begins on June 1, creating uncertainty for India’s preparations ahead of the Unity Cup in London.
India head coach Khalid Jamil had named seven Mohun Bagan players in his 28-member squad for the four-nation tournament, where India are scheduled to face Jamaica national football team on May 27.
However, club officials clarified that players would only be officially released once the FIFA international window opens.
A Mohun Bagan official said the club’s stand was based on concerns over injuries and lack of compensation protection outside FIFA-approved windows.
According to the club, FIFA provides compensation if players suffer injuries during official international windows, but there is no such protection before June 1.
The seven Mohun Bagan players selected for the national squad are Liston Colaco, Manvir Singh, Lalengmawia Ralte, Sahal Abdul Samad, Anirudh Thapa, Abhishek Singh and goalkeeper Vishal Kaith.
India’s national team is scheduled to leave for London from Bengaluru on Sunday.
The latest development has once again highlighted tensions between Indian football clubs and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) over player welfare and insurance issues outside FIFA windows.
Mohun Bagan cited previous disputes involving defender Subhasish Bose and winger Ashique Kuruniyan, claiming the club did not receive compensation after injuries suffered during national duty.
Last year, the AIFF and Mohun Bagan were involved in a disagreement over Bose’s injury, which the club claimed occurred during India duty, while the federation argued it happened during the ISL final.
A similar issue had earlier emerged after Ashique Kuruniyan suffered an ACL injury around the Asian Games period in 2023.
Mohun Bagan had also declined player release for the CAFA Nations Cup in 2025 under similar circumstances.
The current uncertainty comes at a crucial stage for India, especially as several Mohun Bagan players form the core of the national team’s regular starting lineup.
India will face Jamaica on May 27, while Nigeria national football team will play Zimbabwe national football team on May 26. The winners will meet in the final on May 30.
Meanwhile, players from East Bengal FC, including Jeakson Singh and Anwar Ali, have also been selected, although Anwar is currently injured and Jeakson’s availability remains unclear.