IFA Shield 2012: Mohun Bagan might skip the tournament

The 116th edition of the IFA Shield might have to do without the second most successful team in the tournaments history, Mohun Bagan AC. The tournament dates, which is set to be played from March 4 to 17, do not suit the green-and-maroon due to injuries and international call-up of players.

Mohun Bagan General Secretary, Anjan Mitra, has sent a letter to IFA Secretary Utpal Ganguly yesterday stating why Mohun Bagan will be unable to take part in the IFA Shield if held in March.

In his letter, Anjan Mitra stated that Mohun Bagan will surely participate in the IFA Shield if it is postponed till May 2012, which isn't an option for the IFA.

Mr. Mitra in the letter wrote, "9 players of McDowell Mohun Bagan are at present in National Camp and India U-22 Coaching Camp. Added to this, 5 players of the team are injured and undergoing rehabilitation including the 2 foreign players, Jose Barreto and Hudson Lima".

And added that "Odafa Okolie is also not fully fit to play competitive matches."

But for the IFA (West Bengal) shifting the tournament to May isn't an option with the tournament set to start in a few days. The hope in the IFA is that Mohun Bagan would reconsider their decision and play in the tournament or otherwise a replacement team would be invited to the Shield.