Mohun Bagan’s Liston Colaco was among the seven players called up from the club to the national team for the Unity Cup. | Photo Credit: AIFF

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

“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,” said AIFF Deputy Secretary General M Satyanarayan 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 further went on to say that the players had completed their biometric VISA process for the tournament taking place in London, before pulling out in the last moment.

“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,” Satyanarayan said.

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AIFF noted that two more emails regarding details of the event were shared with respective clubs, with Mohun Bagan failing to acknowledge them before receiving a reply from MBSG, which stated that its players will be released “during the FIFA window, and that AIFF may coordinate with the players likewise.”

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

“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.

Moreover, AIFF said that the claims of the governing body not taking care of injured players were false.

“In the 2025-26 season alone, we have spent almost Rs. 15 lakhs on the treatment of injuries sustained by players of all senior and age group national teams, and their rehab thereafter. 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,” said Satyanarayan.

Published on May 24, 2026