East Bengal refutes Crispin Chhetri’s claim, says players were released for India vs Russia friendly

India women’s head coach Crispin Chhetri said that the absence of East Bengal players had hampered the team’s preparations. | Photo Credit: AIFF Media

East Bengal FC on Thursday issued a statement, refuting claims by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) that the club did not release its women’s players for India’s friendly against Russia, set to be played in Kolkata on Friday.

India head coach Crispin Chhetri had said that East Bengal’s commitments towards its AFC Women’s Champions League campaign and the Indian Women’s League had affected the availability of players he wanted for the longer camp.

However, the club said it had formally agreed to release its players for the game.

“Contrary to reports citing Indian women’s national team head coach Crispin Chhetri, the truth is that we formally agreed to release all nine called-up players for the official FIFA women’s international window, starting 5 October. Furthermore, we submit our players’ performance and medical reports to the All India Football Federation before every international break to ensure transparent communication,” the club said.

The nine East Bengal players who were supposed to be a part of the camp are: Panthoi Chanu, Shilky Devi Hemam, Astam Oraon, Naorem Priyangka Devi, Soumya Guguloth, Thoibisana Chanu, Rimpa Haldar, Mamani Das and Sathi Debnath.

The club also condemned the final roster for the friendly against Russia not having any of its players.

“Despite our full cooperation and explicit willingness to make these players available for international duty during the FIFA women’s international window, all nine were unceremoniously excluded from the National Team’s scheme of things,” East Bengal added.