The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Sunday, 25 May 2025 strongly refuted media reports claiming that players from Mohun Bagan SG were asked to return from the Senior National Men's Football Team camp ahead of the Unity Cup in London. The federation called the reports 'misinformation' and provided a detailed account of communications with the club dating back to April 10.

What the AIFF Said

AIFF Deputy Secretary General M. Satyanarayan directly contested claims attributed to a club official that Mohun Bagan SG had written to the federation six days prior, asking it to take responsibility for player injuries sustained outside the FIFA International Window. 'There is no such letter,' Satyanarayan said. He added that the AIFF had sent four letters to all clubs since April 10 regarding India's participation in the Unity Cup.

Satyanarayan also pushed back on the allegation that the AIFF does not cover players' medical expenses. 'In the 2025-26 season alone, we have spent almost ₹15 lakh on the treatment of injuries sustained by players of all senior and age-group national teams, and their rehab thereafter,' he said, adding that the welfare of national team players is 'of paramount importance' to the federation.

The Biometric Visa Sequence

The AIFF detailed how Mohun Bagan SG had cooperated throughout the biometric visa process — only to reverse course at the last moment. According to Satyanarayan, dates for the biometric tests were fixed as per the club's convenience, and the Mohun Bagan SG players duly attended. Two further emails with event details were shared with the club, both of which went unacknowledged.

On the night of 20 May, the AIFF received an email from MBSG stating that their players would only be released 'during the FIFA window', and that the AIFF should coordinate with players accordingly.

Players Ordered Out of Camp via WhatsApp

Of the seven MBSG players called up, six joined the camp in Bengaluru on 22 May — one player was already injured. According to the AIFF, the six players had told national team manager Mr. Velu that their club management had agreed to their joining. They attended a recovery session that evening.

However, the following morning, the club allegedly instructed the players via their WhatsApp group not to train with the national team. Head coach Khalid Jamil and manager Velu spoke to the players, who — after a brief huddle — informed the national team management that their club had directed them not to play or train outside the FIFA International Window. 'Some were emotional, as they made arrangements to leave the camp,' Satyanarayan said.

Impact on Players and Indian Football

AIFF Director of National Teams Subrata Paul called the situation 'deeply unfortunate', noting that the affected players had completed their biometric visa procedures over a month earlier. 'What saddens us most is the wider impact — not only on the players directly involved, but also on those who might otherwise have been called up in their place,' Paul said.

Paul drew parallels with past disruptions, including the CAFA Nations Cup and challenges faced by the U23 national team, expressing hope that all stakeholders could find better ways to resolve such conflicts so that players aspiring to wear the national colours are not penalised. The Unity Cup in London remains on the horizon, and the AIFF's ability to field its strongest squad now appears in question.