Mohun Bagan on Saturday criticised the All India Football Federation for issuing a strong warning to them for offering cash “incentive” to the Mohammedan Sporting club during the ONGC I-League in April.

In their executive committee meeting yesterday, the AIFF decided to issue a strong warning and asked other clubs not to follow such practices as was done by the Kolkata giant.

Mohun Bagan had offered Rs. 5 lakhs to the Mohammedan Sporting club who were fighting their relegation battle in the final round of the I-League.

However, Mohun Bagan general secretary Anjan Mitra chose to denounce the AIFF decision and said the FIFA rule doesn’t stop one from supporting any team.

"We have every liberty to support a Bengal side and offer cash award at individual capacity. Tomorrow, we are rooting for Bengal’s success and already announced a cash award of Rs one lakh," Mitra said.

"We did not have any ill-intentions. Even the governing body, FIFA says you can support for a side in their victory, there’s no harm in that. We are not at fault," Mitra added.

Mohun Bagan has announced Rs. 1 lakh prize money for Bengal team if it manages to win Santosh Trophy. Mohun Bagan is the only club in India which has stood behind its state team.  This is indeed a great step taken by Mohun Bagan management. IFA will also give Rs. 5000 each to all the players of Bengal if they become Champions.

Meanwhile, the Santosh trophy final between Bengal and Goa will be held tomorrow at 5.30 pm. The match will be shown live in Zee Sports. Mohun Bagan right back and Bengal captain Habibur will likely miss tomorrow’s match due to injury. Rajib Ghosh or Anupam Sarkar might replace him.