ISL Uncertainty Forces Mohun Bagan SG to Halt First-Team Operations: Report

Defending Indian Super League (ISL) champion Mohun Bagan Super Giant has announced the suspension of its first-team operations due to ongoing uncertainty over the start of the upcoming ISL season. The Kolkata club was scheduled to regroup on November 10 and commence pre-season training the following day, but plans have now been put on hold.

"The team was scheduled to assemble on November 10 and start preparations for the ISL the next day. However, with no clarity on when the league will actually start, this decision has been taken," as reported by Sportstar.

"The club remains ready and prepared to get going as soon as the dates or at least the tentative dates are known," the report added.

The confusion stems from the expiration of the Master Rights

Agreement (MRA) between Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) and the All India Football Federation (AIFF), set to end in December. The Supreme Court recently granted the AIFF complete control of the country's top football division, prompting the federation to invite fresh bids for a 15-year commercial partnership. However, by the November 7 deadline, no proposals were received.

According to an AIFF statement, "The AIFF Bid Evaluation Committee (headed by Justice L.N. Rao, with AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey as a member) will convene over the weekend to review the situation and deliberate on the future course of action. "

The Mariners' 2025-26 season began with mixed results. After a quarterfinal exit in the Durand Cup and disqualification from AFC Champions League 2 due to travel issues, they rebounded by clinching the IFA Shield, defeating East Bengal in the final.

Head coach Jose Molina, whose future remains uncertain, previously voiced frustration over the standstill: "This season has not been easy for anybody because no league, no matches. you are not going to achieve your best. "

Mohun Bagan also clarified it had not stopped players from joining the national camp starting November 10, stating, "We wish to clarify that we have placed no restrictions on any player reporting for the national camp. "