AIFF vs MBSG stand-off: Mohun Bagan defends decision not to release players for national camp during non-FIFA period

Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) issued a strong statement on Friday clarifying its decision not to release players for the national team camp organized outside the official FIFA international windows, pointing to crucial financial and injury protection gaps under international rules.

While reaffirming its commitment to the national team and the growth of Indian football, the club stressed that calling outside designated FIFA premises deprives players of vital protection. «The current call-up for players takes place outside FIFA’s official international framework. In such cases, FIFA does not provide injury protection or salary compensation if a player is injured while on national duty,» the statement said.

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MBSG stated that its primary duty is to “protect the health, contractual rights and financial security of our players.” To mitigate the uncompensated risk, the club required written confirmation from the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the players themselves. This confirmation would recognize that any injuries and associated contractual costs during the recovery period must be covered by the players if they choose to join the non-FIFA window camp.

The club has made it clear that no restrictions have been placed on players reporting for the national camp from November 10, the official start date of the FIFA International Window. However, the statement noted a development from the AIFF: “The AIFF has chosen not to call up Mohun Bagan players to the national team, and we have no further comment on that decision.”

This move by the AIFF has effectively excluded MBSG’s players from the national team’s likelihood, with the club suggesting that the federation had made the final decision on their omission.

The Kolkata club concluded by reiterating that its aim during this dispute was focused on creating proper safeguards. “Our aim has always been to ensure that there is fair and appropriate protection for all parties, including the player, the club and the national team,” the statement concluded, describing the standoff as a matter of contractual and welfare principles rather than a conflict with national duty.

Published on November 7, 2025