Fifa imposes ‘players’ registration ban’ on MBSG; Top brass promises to pay the amount to Mariners in ‘solidarity fund’ soon
The All India Football Federation (AIFF), following instruction from FIFA, has imposed a ban on the registration of new Indian footballers for Mohun Bagan Super Giants (MBSG). The circular although has not specifically explained the reason behind the ban, a potential reason is reported to be a failure to make the solidarity payments. Solidarity payments are distributed to all clubs that trained the player between his 12th and 23rd birthdays at a proportional rate depending on how long the player was at each club. In the case of MBSG, it was Jason Cummings whose previous Australian club Central Coast Mariners deserve 10 percent of the footballer’s contract with his current club MBSG in the account of a ‘solidarity fund’ and MBSG has reportedly failed to pay the amount to Cumming’s previous club. However, it is learned that MBSG top brass paid the amount to the previous club in a ‘solidarity fund’ in the first season when Cummings signed for MBSG. But as the ISL Cup and Shield winner has failed to pay the amount this season, the Fifa disciplinary committee has imposed the registration ban on the club. According to sources close to MBSG top brass, the management has already made request to Fifa to send the respective form so that they can fill it up and send the money to Central Coast Mariners as soon as possible. The registration ban will be lifted by the Fifa once MBSG send the solidarity fund money to Central Coast Mariners. Mumbai City FC also received a similar suspension in October 2024. The reason for the imposition of the national ban was along the same lines for the Islanders.
Sahal, Suhail’s goals bring victory for the Mariners
The Mohun Bagan Super Giant youngsters justified their selection for the Super Cup 2025 after beating Kerala Blasters 2-1 in their quarterfinal clash at the Kalinga Stadium here on Saturday. Sahal Abdul Samad and Suhail Bhat scored either side of half time to give the Mariners a two-goal lead and despite some late incursions into the box from the Blasters, Sreekuttan’s goal came a little too late. Sahal opened the scoring against his former side in the 23rd minute. Adnan with some excellent footwork on the right flank, dances past Naocha and into the box. Passes the ball to Sahal who dinks it over the keeper after a close first touch. In the 51st minute Suhail Bhat doubled the lead. Ashique’s stepover past Hormipam opened up the space for a low cross in and Suhail, offering a speedy run to the far post knocked the ball into the net. In the 93rd minute, Sreekuttan reduced the margin for Kerala Blasters. Sreekuttan was played in by Jimenez after his shot is blocked. The young attacker smacked it high into the net past Dheeraj to score the consolation.
