AIFF unhappy after Mohun Bagan players asked to return to India camp for Unity Cup

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Sunday said it was unfortunate after Mohun Bagan Super Giant players were asked to return from the national team camp ahead of the Unity Cup.

“A club official has been quoted in the media as saying that Mohun Bagan SG had written to the AIFF six days ago that the Federation should take responsibility if players get injured outside the FIFA window and alleged that we were not responding,” AIFF Assistant Secretary General M. Satyanarayan said in a statement.

«There is no such letter. The AIFF has written four letters to all clubs since April 10 regarding India’s participation in the Unity Cup in London,» he added.

He went on to say that the players had completed their biometric VISA process for the tournament which took place in London before withdrawing at the last minute.

«The dates of the event were mentioned in all subsequent letters along with the dates for biometric testing for players, which were fixed as per the convenience of the club. The players of Mohun Bagan SG attended the biometric test. Naturally, this was done with the knowledge of the club as we had written to them,» Satyanarayan said.

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AIFF noted that two more emails regarding details of the event were shared with the respective clubs, with Mohun Bagan not acknowledging these before receiving a response from MBSG, stating that its players will be released “during the FIFA period, and that AIFF can coordinate with the players as well.”

Six of the seven players (one injured) arrived at the camp in Bengaluru on May 22 but were ordered by Mohun Bagan not to train the following evening.

«After a brief meeting, the players informed the national team management that their club had instructed them not to play or train outside the FIFA International Window. Some were emotional as they made arrangements to leave the camp,» Satyanarayan said.

Furthermore, AIFF said the governing body’s claims of not taking care of injured players were false.

«In the 2025-26 season alone, we have spent nearly Rs. 15 lakhs on the treatment of injuries sustained by players of all senior and age-group national teams, and their rehabilitation thereafter. The well-being of our national team players is of utmost importance to the AIFF, and if a player gets injured while with us, the AIFF never shies away from paying his medical bills and rehabilitation bills,» Satyanarayan said.

Published on May 24, 2026