Indian football giants Mohun Bagan Super Giant have been removed from the AFC Champions League Two competition after failing to report for their away fixture in Iran. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) confirmed that Mohun Bagan’s matches in the tournament would be considered null and void after the club chose not to travel to Iran, citing security concerns in the West Asian country.
The decision was made after Mohun Bagan did not travel to Tabriz for their scheduled match against Iran Pro League side Tractor SC on October 2. The club raised concerns about the political unrest and security situation in Iran and requested the AFC to either reschedule the match or move it to a neutral venue. Despite these requests, the AFC stated that Mohun Bagan had withdrawn from the tournament due to their failure to appear for the match.
In an official statement, the AFC referred to Article 5.2 of the 2024/25 AFC Champions League Two Competition Regulations, which deals with team withdrawals. “In accordance with Article 5.2 of the AFC Champions League Two 2024/25 Competition Regulations, India’s Mohun Bagan Super Giant are considered to have withdrawn from the AFC Champions League Two competition after failing to report to Tabriz, Islamic Republic of Iran, for their Group A fixture against Tractor FC on October 2, 2024,” read the statement.
Matches Nullified, Future Sanctions Possible
As a result of their withdrawal, all of Mohun Bagan’s matches in the AFC Champions League Two have been cancelled. In accordance with Article 5.6 of the competition regulations, all points and goals from their previous games will be disregarded in determining the final group standings. The AFC has also confirmed that the matter will be referred to its relevant committees for further decisions, potentially leading to additional sanctions against the club.
Why Mohun Bagan Refused to Travel
The decision by Mohun Bagan not to travel came before Iran launched a series of ballistic missile attacks targeting Israel. These attacks were in retaliation for the assassination of key leaders of the Axis of Resistance, including Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah. This military escalation occurred just before Mohun Bagan’s scheduled fixture against Tractor SC, intensifying the club’s concerns about the safety of their players and staff.
A source from the club revealed to PTI that despite having flight tickets booked and accommodation arranged in Iran, the players expressed a strong reluctance to travel, fearing for their safety. “Our flights were booked, and the hotel was all set, but we couldn’t compromise the safety of our players, especially with the country in such a tense and mourning state,” a club source explained.
Mohun Bagan’s Position in the Tournament
Prior to their withdrawal, Mohun Bagan were placed in Group A of the AFC Champions League Two, alongside Tajikistan’s FC Ravshan, Iran’s Tractor SC, and Qatar’s Al Wakrah. The team had played their first group stage match at home, holding FC Ravshan to a goalless draw on September 18. They were supposed to fly to Iran after their Indian Super League fixture against Bengaluru FC on September 28 but returned home instead.
Mohun Bagan’s withdrawal marks a disappointing end to their continental campaign, with future consequences likely as the AFC committees deliberate on the situation.