Mohammedan footballers wait for pay, eyes on new leadership

The much-anticipated election of the historic Mohammedan Sporting Club is set to take place on 9 March.

While the political buzz around the change of president and board members dominates the club’s corridors, the reality on the ground is very different for the players.

Footballers have been living in uncertainty, with nearly five months of unpaid salaries, while coaching staff are reportedly owed even longer.

Players have staged training boycotts several times in recent months to demand their due payments. 

Most recently, they walked out on 23 February, returning to the field the following day only after being assured that the club would try to address their issues once the elections concluded.

Mohammedan captain Mehedi Hasan Mithu spoke candidly about the situation.

“If you calculate the salaries, it’s been three to four months already, now approaching five months. Occasionally, they give us some pocket money, but the full salaries have not been paid.”

Since the start of the season, unrest over pending wages has been a recurring issue at the club.

Players have repeatedly threatened to boycott matches if payments are not made, but so far, promises have not translated into concrete action.

On how difficult the situation is personally, Mithu added, “It’s definitely upsetting. Behind us are our families. Many families rely entirely on football for income, and it becomes extremely difficult to support them.”

The pressure of repeatedly asking for salaries adds to the strain.

“It’s embarrassing. Asking the club for salaries over and over doesn’t feel good. We don’t even know why they haven’t been able to pay,” he noted.

With election fever sweeping the club, candidates typically approach members and staff with assurances about resolving problems.

But at Mohammedan, the reality has been different.

Despite the ongoing unrest over unpaid wages, no election candidate has so far reached out to discuss the players’ concerns. Mithu confirmed, “No one has come to speak to us. Only the coach and manager keep urging us to play.”

With Ramadan underway and Eid-ul-Fitr approaching, the players’ livelihoods are under additional pressure, as most rely solely on club salaries. Mithu stated, “Around 80% of players support their families entirely through football. When family members ask for money, there’s nothing we can do except feel frustrated.”

As the elections draw near, uncertainty remains over whether the new leadership will take immediate steps to address the long-standing wage issues.

The players’ focus now is firmly on both the election outcome and the club’s financial stability.

“Whether the new committee comes in or the current one stays, our main hope is that outstanding salaries are settled first,” Mithu said.

While the election atmosphere is festive, players’ eyes remain on the unpaid wages and the promises of the new leadership.