The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has clarified that Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) captain Subhasish Bose sustained his groin injury during the Indian Super League (ISL) final on April 12, 2025, and not during the Asian Cup qualifying match against Bangladesh in March. This clarification comes in response to concerns raised by Mohun Bagan regarding player welfare and injury compensation.

In a letter addressed to the Kolkata-based club, the AIFF, quoting the national team's medical department, stated that Bose played for 85 minutes in the Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh on March 25 in Shillong and was substituted for tactical reasons, not due to injury. The letter further noted that Bose played full time in both legs of the ISL semi-finals on April 3 and 7, and for 90 minutes in the ISL final on April 12, where he was eventually substituted.

According to the AIFF, Bose attended the national team camp on May 18, 2025, and complained of discomfort in his right groin after one or two training sessions. Upon inquiry, Bose informed the medical team that he had injured his groin during the ISL final on April 12. Mohun Bagan Super Giant emerged victorious in the ISL final, defeating Bengaluru FC 2-1 in Kolkata.

The AIFF also pointed out that Mohun Bagan Super Giant did not inform the national federation about Bose's injury. The letter stated that Bose only rested after the injury and attended the camp after a month-long layoff without any investigations or rehabilitation, which was not communicated to the national team's medical staff. When Bose experienced mild discomfort, his training load was reduced, and he was given rest and rehab sessions. Bose was eventually released from the camp on June 5, according to the AIFF.

The clarification from the AIFF follows reports of Mohun Bagan Super Giant refusing to release their players for the national camp, citing concerns over player welfare and the lack of mandatory release outside of FIFA windows. A Mohun Bagan official highlighted Bose's case, stating that he has been sidelined since suffering an injury during the Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh and that the AIFF has not inquired about his condition or offered compensation. The club official emphasized that they are not obligated to release players for national camps outside of FIFA international windows, as there is no compensation for injuries sustained during such camps.

Subhasish Bose's contribution to Mohun Bagan Super Giant has been significant, as he led the team to win both the Indian Super League (ISL) League Shield and the ISL Championship title in the 2024-25 season. He was also named the AIFF Men's Player of the Year. Bose expressed his joy at receiving the award, acknowledging his decade-long dedication to Indian football. He also lauded the development of football infrastructure in Odisha.