Concerns for Player Safety Lead to Controversial Decision
In a significant turn of events, Mohun Bagan Super Giant has been removed from the AFC Champions League 2 after the Kolkata-based team opted not to travel to Iran for a scheduled match against Tractor FC. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced this decision, stating that the club’s withdrawal is recognized due to their failure to report for the match on October 2, 2024.
The club’s management prioritized the safety and security of their players when they made this decision, considering the tense political situation in Iran at the time. Mohun Bagan’s players expressed their unwillingness to travel to Iran, particularly following recent unrest linked to the death of a significant military leader in an Israeli airstrike. Given the context, the players’ concerns about their safety were taken seriously by the club.
According to the AFC’s regulations, all matches involving Mohun Bagan will now be canceled and considered void. This means that none of the points or goals from their games will contribute to the standings in Group A. The matter is set to be forwarded to the appropriate AFC committees for further deliberation and potential sanctions.
In their initial Group A match, Mohun Bagan played to a goalless draw against Tajikistan’s FC Ravshan. The players, numbering 35—including seven foreigners—had communicated their apprehensions about traveling to Iran, prompting the club to seek either a rescheduling of the match or a move to a neutral venue. They also reached out to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, which had advised against travel to Iran at that time.
The consequences of Mohun Bagan’s refusal to travel could be severe. Reports indicate that they might face a fine of $50,000, along with disqualification from the ongoing tournament. Additionally, the club could potentially receive a ban from participating in future Asian club competitions. The Iranian Football Federation’s president has been vocal about the implications of this decision, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
Mohun Bagan currently sits in a challenging position within their group, alongside teams like Qatar’s Al Wakrah SC and Tractor FC. Their performance in the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL) season has also been underwhelming, with the team ranked ninth after three matches.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact Mohun Bagan’s future in both domestic and international football. The football community will be watching closely as the AFC determines the next steps regarding sanctions and implications for the club.
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