# IFA Shield 2026 tournament developments

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ifa-shield-2026-tournament-developments
> Updated: 2026-09-22T05:27:55.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Mohammedan SC has withdrawn from the IFA Shield 2026 tournament. The club cited protests against “biased refereeing” during a Calcutta Football League match against Mohun Bagan Super Giant, specifically regarding a goal scored from an offside position. The club is also reportedly managing a transfer ban and funding difficulties.

Calcutta Customs will replace Mohammedan SC in Group A. The Indian Football Association (IFA) has released the tournament fixtures, noting that defending champions Mohun Bagan will play Sreenidi Deccan, while East Bengal will face Punjab FC. 

The 2026-27 tournament introduces a new rule permitting teams to field up to six foreign players in their starting lineup. Additionally, the availability of certain national team players may be limited due to upcoming international friendly matches against Panama, Brazil, and Uruguay.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-22: IFA Shield 2026 fixtures announced with new foreign player rule

The IFA Shield 2026-27 fixtures are announced, featuring a new rule allowing six foreign players in the starting XI. Mohun Bagan and East Bengal prepare for the tournament amid national team call-ups.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ifa-shield-2026-fixtures-announced-with-new-foreign-player-rule

### 2026-09-21: Mohammedan SC withdraws from IFA Shield 2026

Mohammedan SC has withdrawn from the IFA Shield 2026 to protest alleged refereeing bias during a recent CFL match against Mohun Bagan. Calcutta Customs will replace them in Group A.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mohammedan-sc-withdraws-from-ifa-shield-2026

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Cite as: IFA Shield 2026 tournament developments. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ifa-shield-2026-tournament-developments