Bhubaneswar: Indian Super League champion Mohun Bagan Super Giant has pulled out of its AFC Champions League 2 clash against Iran’s Sepahan FC, citing serious security concerns for its players. The club confirmed that its foreign recruits, including those from countries with strict travel advisories against Iran, were unwilling to travel.
Despite Mohun Bagan’s request for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to shift the tie to a neutral venue, the body refused. The Kolkata giant has now taken the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), hoping for a fair resolution and to avoid being branded as “withdrawn” from the tournament — a ruling that could attract fines, disqualification, or even bans from future continental competitions.
This is not the first time Mohun Bagan has faced such a situation. Last year, the club skipped an away fixture in Tabriz against Tractor SC, which led the AFC to annul its matches and declare it withdrawn.
The decision has sparked a flurry of reactions on social media:
“Player safety comes first. No trophy is worth risking lives.” – A Mohun Bagan supporter tweeted
“Pulling out is bold, but CAS has the final say. Eyes on Lausanne now.” – another fan added.
While AFC rules are strict, Mohun Bagan’s move highlights the growing clash between sporting commitments and geopolitical realities. The coming weeks will reveal whether CAS sides with the Mariners or if the century-old club faces another forced exit from Asia’s top stage.
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