Kolkata: Indian Super League (ISL) club Mohan Bagan Supergiant has declined to release several of its players, including Malayali midfielder Sahal Abdul Samad, for the ongoing national team camp in Bengaluru ahead of the CAF Nations Championship. The preliminary 35-member squad, selected by the new head coach, began preparations earlier this week, but the club has cited concerns over player welfare and the approach of the Football Federation of India (AIFF) as reasons for withholding its stars.
Mohan Bagan officials highlighted that captain Subhashish Bose is still recovering from an injury sustained during India’s Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh in March. The club warned that additional players could return from national duty with injuries, and expressed concerns that the AIFF may not provide sufficient medical support or rehabilitation. “Four or five of our players could be sidelined due to injuries after representing India. The AIFF has not offered to conduct tests or extend the necessary assistance,” the club stated.
The players called up for the camp include Mohan Bagan stars Anirudh Thapa, Deepak Tangri, Lalengmavia, Liston Colaco, Manveer Singh, and the Malayali duo Sahal Abdul Samad and Vishal Keith. While the club has allowed these players to attend, it has refused to release any additional players, including those selected for the junior team, citing the need to safeguard their fitness for domestic and international competitions.
This development has sparked debate over the balance between club commitments and national duty, raising questions about player management and support structures for Indian footballers representing the country in international tournaments.