Mohun Bagan to Challenge AFC’s Withdrawal Decision Over Iran Trip

Mohun Bagan Super Giant is preparing to take legal action following its withdrawal from the AFC Champions League 2 (ACL 2), as announced by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The Kolkata-based club was removed from the tournament after refusing to travel to Iran for a scheduled match against Tractor FC on October 2, citing security concerns amid escalating tensions in the region.

Mohun Bagan’s withdrawal stems from rising geopolitical unrest between Iran and Israel, particularly following the death of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah. The subsequent missile exchanges between the two nations raised serious safety concerns for the Indian club. 

Several missiles were seen in Iran’s airspace, including during a live Champions League match, prompting the Indian Embassy to issue a travel advisory urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iran.

Despite these circumstances, the AFC considered Mohun Bagan’s failure to appear for the match as a withdrawal from the competition. The football body declared all of the club’s matches in the tournament “null and void” as per Article 5.6 of its Competition Regulations. The AFC also stated that no points or goals from Mohun Bagan’s games would be considered in determining the final standings in Group A.

Mohun Bagan, however, claims it was not officially notified of its withdrawal before the AFC’s public announcement on its website and social media. “We were not communicated about the decision in an official capacity,” a club source was quoted as saying by Sportstar. 

“Everything happened on social media and through a release on their website.”

The club had been preparing for the match, having conducted its training sessions in Kolkata. Mohun Bagan’s players had raised concerns with the All India Football Federation (AIFF), leading to the decision not to travel for safety reasons. The club now intends to pursue legal action once they receive formal confirmation from the AFC. 

“We decided not to travel not without reason. But if and when their mail or acknowledgement comes to us, we will take the matter to court,” the source added, noting that they have already consulted international football lawyers.

This situation mirrors a similar episode in 2022 when the UEFA Champions League final, originally scheduled for St. Petersburg, was moved to Paris due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. However, in Mohun Bagan’s case, the club now faces elimination from the tournament and cancellation of its future matches, having already drawn 0-0 in its first game against Ravshan Kulob of Turkmenistan.

Mohun Bagan is determined to fight the AFC’s decision and seek a resolution through legal channels.