Don't Use National Camps For Trials - Mahindra United's Henry Menezes

According to a report, it was claimed that an Indian international was to undergo a week’s trial at the Belgian club but on the insistence of coach Bob Houghton, the club would now send their scouts over to the Catalan capital.

The agent of players like Steven Dias, Gouramangi Singh, N.P.Pradeep, Abhishek Yadav and Subrata Paul stated that if the players do impress the Belgian surveyors, there is a possibility of them signing with the European club.

Two of Mahindra United players – Steven Dias and N.P.Pradeep were being mentioned that hasn’t gone well with the club’s management as both the said players are contracted.

“We are to send a letter to the AIFF. Nobody can talk about our players and let us make it clear that no one can touch them.

“All this is very disturbing to the clubs back here,” said Mahindra United general manager, Henry Menezes.

The former Indian international believes that their club has released the players for national camp under the supervision of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and not for any trials.

“We have trusted the AIFF and sent our players for the camp and not for trials. It’s unethical and it shows the lack of professionalism. The player’s mind is being diverted and we don’t want them to get disturbed.

“This issue has to be taken seriously or else in the future, we can’t trust the AIFF when sending our players under their custody,” added the former Mumbai FC general manager.

Henry took a dig at national team coach Bob Houghton and stated that the Englishman should concentrate on his own job rather than turning into a trader of players.

“We ask the national coach to coach the national team and not trade the players. We send the players to play for India and the national coach is trying to sell the players abroad,” said the member of the AIFF technical committee.

Henry also feels that the agents have to stop fooling the players and that all this nonsense must be put to end.

“The agents are fooling the players and it has to be stopped. You can’t have trials without our information and consent,” added Henry.    

Rahul Bali.