Mohammedan SC pulls out of IFA Shield in protest against referees’ decisions in CFL loss to Mohun Bagan

Mohammedan Sporting has been replaced by Calcutta Customs Club for the upcoming editon of IFA Shield. | Photo Credit: Durand Cup Media

Mohammedan Sporting has pulled out of the upcoming edition of the Indian Football Association (IFA) Shield as a protest against the refereeing decision during its Calcutta Football League match against Mohun Bagan Super Giant.

The two Kolkata clubs met on the final day of the CFL on Saturday, with a win for either side ensuring them the title. Mohammedan went on to lose 2-3 despite Mohun Bagan being reduced to 10 men, a result the Black Panthers claim was aided by poor decisions from the match officials.

According to sources, Mohammedan approached the IFA to ask for the game to be replayed, a request that was denied by the governing body.

Subsequently the team decided to pull out of the competition, with Calcutta Customs Club taking its place.

Moreover, Mohammedan was supposed to face East Bengal in the tournament opener on Tuesday, but the schedule has been changed, and Mohun Bagan will take on Sreenidi Deccan in the first match on Wednesday.

Teams in IFA Shield 2026:

• Group A: East Bengal FC, Calcutta Customs Club, Punjab FC
• Group B: Mohun Bagan Super Giant, NorthEast United, Sreenidi Deccan

IFA Shield 2026 revised schedule:

• September 23: Sreenidi Deccan vs Mohun Bagan — 3 pm
• September 24: Calcutta Customs Club vs East Bengal — 3 pm
• September 26: Sreenidi Deccan vs NorthEast United — 3 pm
• September 27: Calcutta Customs Club vs Punjab FC — 3 pm
• September 29: NorthEast United vs Mohun Bagan — 3 pm
• September 30: Punjab FC vs East Bengal — 3 pm
• October 4: Semifinal 1 – TBA
• October 4: Semifinal 2 – TBA
• Date and details of the final are yet to be announced