Kolkata’s Mohammedan Sporting Club continues to grapple with uncertainty ahead of the 2025–26 Indian Super League (ISL) season, with no investor yet in place and a FIFA-imposed ban severely restricting squad-building plans. The situation has forced the century-old club to prepare for the possibility of fielding an all-Indian squad, with no foreign recruits, posing a major challenge.
Despite sustained efforts, Mohammedan Sporting have failed to secure financial backing so far, significantly impacting pre-season planning and transfer activity. In light of the uncertainty, the club management has opted to prioritise cost control and long-term sustainability by relying solely on domestic players for the time being.
There is also little clarity on when players will return to training. Most of the squad were given a break after the Super Cup in Goa due to uncertainty surrounding the top-tier league’s schedule. Compounding matters, assistant coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo – who took charge after the departure of Andrey Chernyshov – has not yet been formally contacted by the club management. However, club secretary Ishtiaque (Raju) Ahmed expressed optimism while speaking to RevSportz: “We will soon sit down with coach Mehrajuddin and plan the preparations for the ISL.”
Mohammedan Sporting are currently operating under a FIFA transfer and registration ban due to outstanding payments owed to former foreign players. Because of this, the club was compelled to field an all-Indian squad in domestic competitions earlier in the 2025–26 season, including the Durand Cup, the Calcutta Football League, and the AIFF Super Cup.
As the ISL season draws closer, questions remain over whether the club will be allowed to register foreign players. No official clarification has been issued by the management, but speculation persists that the ban could prevent overseas signings for the upcoming campaign. The lack of confirmation has kept fans and officials alike on edge.
According to sources, the club management is in advanced discussions with potential investors who may clear all pending liabilities. Ishtiaque Ahmed said, “It has been a tough time for the club without an investor. We have approached several investors without any success. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has assured us of helping to find an investor.”
Amid the uncertainty, coach Mehrajuddin remains composed and pragmatic. Having transitioned from assistant coach to interim and now head coach, he is unconcerned about contractual technicalities. “My contract still says assistant coach, but I’m fine with any role,” he told RevSportz.
His focus is firmly on preparing the squad for the rigours of the ISL, especially if foreign reinforcements remain unavailable. Training sessions are yet to begin, as Mohammedan Sporting – like several other ISL clubs – await the official season schedule from the AIFF. If restrictions persist, the club are expected to rely on players who featured in the Super Cup.
As the club navigates this period of uncertainty, adaptability, resilience, and collective spirit will be crucial in shaping Mohammedan Sporting’s ISL campaign.
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