New Delhi: Mohammedan SC’s preparations for their Indian Super League (ISL) clash against Chennaiyin FC tonight have been overshadowed by reports of internal unrest. According to multiple sources, players boycotted training earlier this week, demanding unpaid wages for September, October, and November.
This is not the first time financial troubles have plagued Indian football clubs, but the timing has raised eyebrows as Mohammedan SC sits precariously near the bottom of the ISL table. While the team’s performance on the pitch has shown signs of improvement, the off-field drama has become a significant concern for both fans and management.
Mohammedan SC players boycott training over wage dispute
Mohammedan SC players have decided to write to AIFF/FIFA over their “unpaid dues for last 3 months.” @90ndstoppage
The management had promised and agreed a deadline of January 15th but recent contacts have made the players feel that this deadline won’t be met. ❌ pic.twitter.com/I3YHGiGOMR
— Dhananjay K Shenoy (@im_shenoy) January 14, 2025
According to reports, players refused to train earlier this week, citing delays in receiving their salaries. Sources told News9live that the team had communicated their grievances in a WhatsApp message, highlighting their struggle to manage daily expenses without pay for three months.
The issue reportedly came to light through a WhatsApp message from the team’s players’ group, where they expressed frustration over unfulfilled promises and the financial strain on their families. Despite their ongoing three-match unbeaten streak, the situation threatened to derail the Kolkata-based club’s resurgence under coach Andrey Chernyshov.
The players reportedly demanded all pending wages be cleared before Friday’s game, warning they would not participate if the situation remained unresolved.
The message reflected growing dissatisfaction among the players, who argued that their contracts ensured payment regardless of team results. They stated that while they had continued to fight on the field, the ongoing delays were unacceptable.
Club management responds to the claims
🚨 Mohammedan SC players skip training ahead of their game tomorrow over unpaid dues! 👀 pic.twitter.com/MWG4j82k1l
— Chennaiyin Universal (@CFCUniversal) January 14, 2025
Club General Secretary Ishtiaque Ahmed dismissed these claims to Times of India, insisting that all players had been paid and that training sessions had continued as usual. Ahmed explained that absences were due to injuries or rest periods and not financial issues.
Addressing the allegations, Ahmed clarified that Mohammedan SC had recently shifted to a performance-linked payment structure, where incentives were tied to individual contributions instead of being uniformly distributed.
Despite these denials, sources suggest players only returned to training after a meeting with club officials. The management reportedly reassured them that their dues would be cleared, which helped ease tensions within the squad.
As Mohammedan SC take on Chennaiyin FC tonight, the focus will shift back to the pitch, but the underlying tensions serve as a reminder of the challenges Indian football clubs face in balancing performance and financial stability.
This story is still developing, and the issue is likely to escalate further if the players decide to raise their grievances with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) or other governing bodies.
Amid wage disputes, Mohammedan SC players refused to train, demanding overdue payments. Management denied financial issues and assured payment clearance. The team now prepares for their ISL clash against Chennaiyin FC. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
