Mohammedan SC pull out of IFA Shield 2026
A major controversy after the Calcutta Football League 2026 Final
Mohammedan SC which recently played the Calcutta Football League (CFL) 2026 final game against Mohun Bagan is now going to withdraw it’s name from the upcoming Indian Football Association Shield primarily known as IFA Shield that is all set to kick off on 22nd September,2026.
The controversy that erupted in the CFL 2026 final has been the reason for the issue, as the Black Panthers have decided not to participate in the highly revered shield, which is the third-oldest cup competition after the Durand Cup and Trades Cup.
The Black Panthers were initially scheduled to open their IFA Shield 2026 campaign against the Durand Cup champion East Bengal FC on 22nd September, 2026 at 15:00 IST, with ISL side Punjab FC also in the group.
However, following a major refereeing allegation made by the Mohammedan SC management in the final matchday against the Mariners the club is now ready to withdraw itself from the Shield and intends to take part in the upcoming Indian Football League (IFL) 2026-27 season.
Mohammedan SC opt out of the IFA Shield 2026 amid refereeing controversy
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Based on the current schedule, East Bengal FC and Mohammedan SC are set to lock horns in the first game of the IFA Shield 2026; however, there seems to be a cloud of uncertainty hovering over the match because the Black Panthers have withdrawn their team name from the tournament in protest against the shield over their anger at the refereeing in the CFL.
The Black Panthers ended up losing the CFL championship to Mohun Bagan despite having a lead due to the goals from Lalremsanga and Mahitosh Roy. However, the goal that was scored by Sayan Bannerjee, who is Bagan’s latest signing of Bagan from East Bengal FC, in the 73rd minute is controversial because many believe he was offside when he slotted the goal.
And due to this major dilemma in the game, after a meeting with the Indian Football Association, the main governing body of Bengal football, they remained stand still with their decision to opt out of the 126th edition of the tournament.
IFA President Anirban Dutta said that, “When they came, they told us that if there is no replay, they will not play. And according to the rules of football, there has never been a replay of a match. For offside or for referee’s decision.Because if we follow it, we can say that the referee’s decision is final. There is no change in that.”
Earlier, Mohammedan SC President Ghazal UZ Zafar said that. “We will not participate in the IFA Shield. Such incidents have happened repeatedly. This is intolerable. We cannot constantly remain in such negative situations.”
IFA Shield schedule effected
Following the incident, the completed schedule of the IFA shield will be in a hampered situation as Mohammedan SC and East Bengal FC were the ones who would start the fresh season, but the sudden news has created uncertainty regarding fixtures management.
The withdrawal leaves the Indian Football Association facing a tough task of adjusting the competition format and schedule, with reports suggesting some alternative arrangements were being considered after the club’s decision.
Why has Mohammedan SC withdrawn from the IFA Shield 2026?
Mohammedan SC have decided to withdraw from the IFA Shield 2026 following the refereeing controversy surrounding their Calcutta Football League 2026 final against Mohun Bagan.
When did Mohammedan SC confirm their IFA Shield withdrawal?
The decision was confirmed on September 21, 2026, following a meeting involving the Indian Football Association and Mohammedan SC management.
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