The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Sunday voiced strong disappointment after several players from Mohun Bagan Super Giant were asked to leave the Indian national team camp ahead of the upcoming Unity Cup in London.
In an official statement, AIFF Deputy Secretary General M Satyanarayan rejected claims made by club representatives that the federation had ignored concerns regarding player injuries outside the FIFA international window.
“A club official has been quoted in the media 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 did not respond,” Satyanarayan said.
“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.
According to the federation, all participating clubs were informed well in advance about the tournament schedule and player-related procedures. Satyanarayan stated that the biometric visa formalities for the London trip were conducted with the full knowledge of Mohun Bagan.
“The dates of the event were mentioned in all subsequent letters, along with the dates for biometric tests for players, which were fixed as per the club’s convenience. The Mohun Bagan SG players attended the biometric test. Obviously, this was done with the club’s knowledge, as we had written to them,” he explained.
The AIFF also revealed that additional emails containing event details had been shared with clubs, but Mohun Bagan only later informed the federation that its players would be available strictly during the FIFA international window. Despite that, six out of the seven selected players from the club — with one unavailable due to injury — reported to the national camp in Bengaluru on May 22.
However, matters changed the following evening when the players reportedly informed the national team management that they had been instructed by their club not to train or participate outside the official FIFA window.
“After a quick huddle together, 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.
The AIFF also strongly dismissed suggestions that it fails to support injured national team players. The federation said it had already spent nearly Rs 15 lakh during the 2025-26 season on treatment and rehabilitation for players representing various national teams.
“The welfare of our national team players is of paramount importance to the AIFF, and if any player gets injured when they are with us, the AIFF never shies away from bearing their medical and rehab bills,” Satyanarayan added.
