Mohun Bagan Super Giant have recalled all their players from the Indian national team ahead of the Unity Cup, scheduled to be played from May 26 to May 30. The tournament will feature Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Jamaica.
Players recalled
The eight Mohun Bagan Super Giant players in the preliminary squad for the Unity Cup are Vishal Kaith, Abhishek Singh Tekcham, Ashique Kuruniyan, Sahal Abdul Samad, Anirudh Thapa, Manvir Singh, Liston Colaco, and Suhail Ahmad Bhat.
Club's objection
TimesofIndia.com has learned that Mohun Bagan Super Giant have raised objections because these matches fall outside the FIFA international window, making the club liable for any injuries to the players. With concerns from the insurance provider, the club deemed it wise to recall their players.
Under FIFA rules, if a player gets injured during an international window, the national federation is responsible for medical expenses and recovery. However, outside the window, the club bears the cost.
A source from the Kolkata giants reminded that injuries to Subhasish Bose and Aashique Kuruniyan previously cost the club Rs 2.5 crore in salaries and rehabilitation expenses.
The source did not clarify why this concern was not raised earlier. However, the club stated they have no issue with players joining the national team for friendlies in June, which fall within the FIFA international window.
Previous issue
A similar issue arose in November last year. At that time, the club made clear that players were free to join the national team but at their own risk. “Our objective has always been to ensure that fair and appropriate protections are in place for all parties including the player, the club, and the national team,” the club had said in a statement.
National team camp
The Blue Tigers have assembled in Bengaluru for a camp. The revised squad will fly to London on May 24 for the Unity Cup. India will play Jamaica in the second semi-final on May 27, while Nigeria face Zimbabwe in the first semi-final. The losing teams will play the third-place play-off on June 30, with the final also scheduled for the same day.
