Mohun Bagan Supergiant have recalled all their players from the Indian national team ahead of the Unity Cup to be played from May 26 to May 30. The competition includes Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Jamaica.Vishal Keith, Abhishek Singh Tekcham, Ashiq Kuronia, Sohal Abdul Samad, Anirudh Thapa, Manveer Singh, Liston Colaco and Sohail Ahmed Bhatt are eight MBSG players in the starting squad for the Unity Cup.TimesofIndia.com has learned that MBSG has taken issue with the fact that these matches are falling outside the FIFA window which makes them responsible for injuries to players. After concerns were raised by the insurance provider, MBSG thought it wise to recall their players instead.If a player is injured during the international window, FIFA rules state that the national federation will be responsible for the player’s medical expenses and recovery.A source with the Kolkata giants recalled how the club spent Rs 2.5 crore out of pocket on their salaries and rehabilitation process as a result of injuries to Subhash Bose and Ashiq Crunyan.Sources, however, did not say why this concern was not raised earlier. However, the club made it clear that they have no problem with players joining the national team for friendlies in June – when the FIFA international window opens.This issue also came up in November last year. Then, the club also clarified that the players are free to join the national team, but they will do so at their own discretion.“Our aim has always been to ensure that there are fair and appropriate safeguards for all parties, including the player, club and national team,” the club said in a statement at the time.The Blue Tigers have gathered for the camp in Bengaluru. The revised squad will leave for London on May 24 for the Unity Cup.India will face Jamaica in the second semi-final on May 27, while Nigeria will face Zimbabwe in the first semi-final. The two losing teams will play the third-place playoff on June 30 and the final between the winning teams is also scheduled for the same day.
