Mohun Bagan Super Giants (MBSG), one of India’s top football clubs, have been ruled out of the AFC Champions League 2 after refusing to travel to Iran for a crucial Group A match. The Kolkata-based club was scheduled to face Tractor FC in Tabriz on October 2, 2024, but citing security concerns following the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon, they opted not to make the trip.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) confirmed on October 7 that Mohun Bagan’s refusal to participate has led to their withdrawal from the competition, and all their previous match results have been nullified.
Refusal to Travel Amid Security Fears
Mohun Bagan’s refusal to travel to Iran stems from escalating security tensions in the Middle East. The death of Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli air strike heightened concerns, and reports of missiles flying over the stadium during a separate AFC Champions League match between Sepahan and Istiklol Dushanbe only compounded the fears. The Indian Super League (ISL) club, considering the safety of its players and staff, deemed it too dangerous to travel to Tabriz for the Group A fixture.
The AFC, however, responded by stating that Mohun Bagan had violated Article 5.2 of the AFC Champions League 2 competition regulations, which requires teams to fulfill their scheduled fixtures. As a result, the club has been “considered withdrawn” from the tournament.
AFC’s Response and Decision
In an official statement, the AFC confirmed that Mohun Bagan’s refusal to report for their match in Iran resulted in their automatic withdrawal from the competition. “In accordance with Article 5.2 of the AFC Champions League Two 2024/25 Competition Regulations, India’s Mohun Bagan Super Giants are considered to have withdrawn from the AFC Champions League Two after the club failed to report to Tabriz, Islamic Republic of Iran, for their Group A fixture against Tractor FC on October 2, 2024,” the statement read.
The consequences of this decision extend beyond Mohun Bagan’s exit. The AFC clarified that all of the club’s results would be erased from the tournament standings. “Consequently, all matches played by Mohun Bagan Super Giants are canceled and considered null and void in accordance with Article 5.6 of the Competition Regulations. For the avoidance of doubt, no points or goals in the club’s matches shall be taken into consideration when determining the final rankings in Group A pursuant to Article 8.3 of the Competition Regulations,” the statement added.
Impact on the AFC Champions League 2
Mohun Bagan’s withdrawal disrupts the balance of Group A, as their previous result, a goalless draw against Tajikistani side Ravshan Kulob on September 18, has now been expunged. For the remaining teams in the group, this development reshapes the standings, as any points or goals related to Mohun Bagan’s games are now disregarded.
The absence of Mohun Bagan from the competition is a significant blow, as they were considered strong contenders in Group A. Their withdrawal also highlights the geopolitical challenges that can affect international sporting events, as the volatile situation in the Middle East has now had a direct impact on the AFC tournament.
Mohun Bagan’s Next Steps: An Appeal in Motion
Mohun Bagan is not taking their exclusion lightly and is preparing to file an appeal with the AFC Appeal Committee within the next 24-48 hours. The club is expected to present a case of force majeure, arguing that their refusal to travel was based on legitimate security concerns. While they will hope for a favorable outcome, the regulations under which they were withdrawn leave little room for maneuver.
The club’s management is confident that they have a strong case, as safety concerns in international tournaments have long been a point of contention. Should Mohun Bagan succeed in their appeal, it would not only restore their place in the competition but also set a precedent for how future incidents of this nature are handled by the AFC.
Looking Ahead: The Impact on Indian Football
The withdrawal of Mohun Bagan from the AFC Champions League 2 could have long-lasting effects on Indian football. As one of the most prominent clubs in the country, their absence on the continental stage is a setback for the development of Indian football, which has been striving for more exposure in international competitions.
Moreover, this incident raises questions about how clubs and governing bodies handle security concerns in volatile regions. For Mohun Bagan, the safety of their players and staff took precedence, but the decision may cost them valuable international experience and exposure.
Mohun Bagan’s withdrawal from the AFC Champions League 2 after refusing to travel to Iran marks a significant moment in the tournament’s history. While the club’s concerns for player safety are understandable, the AFC’s strict regulations left little room for flexibility. As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on Mohun Bagan’s appeal and how this decision might shape future tournament protocols in high-risk areas. Regardless of the outcome, this incident serves as a reminder of the complex intersection between sports and geopolitics.
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When is Mohun Bagan’s next match?
Mohun Bagan’s next match is the Kolkata Derby against East Bengal on Saturday, October 19 from 7:30 pm (IST).
