New Delhi: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced that Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) is “considered to have withdrawn” from the 2025-26 AFC Champions League Two after the Indian Super League (ISL) champions failed to travel to Iran for their Group C fixture against Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan SC on September 30, 2025. The matter will now be referred to the relevant AFC Committee for a final decision.
MBSG had informed the media on Saturday that they would not report for the match, citing that six of their foreign players declined to travel to Iran following advisories from their respective countries. A club official confirmed that the decision was made collectively by the players and support staff after assessing potential risks and prioritising the safety and well-being of all team members.
“In accordance with Article 5.2 of the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26 Competition Regulations, Mohun Bagan Super Giant are considered to have withdrawn from the competition after failing to report to Isfahan,” the AFC said in an official statement. The continental body further added that the club’s previous match has been cancelled and rendered null and void, with no points or goals from that game taken into consideration for the final Group C standings.
This is not the first time Mohun Bagan has faced such a ruling from the AFC. Last year, the club was deemed withdrawn after refusing to travel to Iran to face Tractor SC of Tabriz due to security concerns amid political tensions in the West Asian region.
Following the latest decision, MBSG has approached the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) seeking a fair resolution. In a statement, the club emphasised, “MBSG prioritises the safety and well-being of its players, officials, and support staff. Our players and their families have expressed concern over travel to Iran. After careful consideration of government advisories and potential risks, and upholding the players’ sentiments, we have approached CAS to safeguard our interests.”
The AFC’s ruling leaves Mohun Bagan’s participation in the Champions League Two in jeopardy, with the final decision on the club’s fate expected after the relevant committee reviews the matter.
