AIFF Disciplinary Committee reduces Mohun Bagan SG stadium ban to partial closure

Mohun Bagan SG to host Odisha FC under partial stadium closure

The All-India Football Federation (AIFF) has enforced a partial stadium closure on Mohun Bagan Super Giant following a fresh breach of spectator conduct rules during the ongoing Indian Super League 2025-26 season.

The AIFF Disciplinary Committee had initially ordered a full stadium closure after determining that pyrotechnics were again used by home supporters during MBSG’s opening league fixture against Kerala Blasters FC on February 14, 2026, at the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.

However, following a review petition filed by Mohun Bagan SG, the decision was modified from a full closure to a partial one.

As a result, the club will now host their next home match against Odisha FC on March 6, 2026, under a partial stadium closure, with access restricted to designated sections of the venue.

Not the first warning

The All-India Football Federation Disciplinary Committee had originally sanctioned Mohun Bagan SG during the 2024-25 season after multiple incidents of spectator misconduct, including a serious episode during a match against Bengaluru FC where fireworks were reportedly launched into the away section, injuring supporters and even striking the club owner.

At the time, the Committee imposed a ‘stadium closure’ but suspended the sanction for one year under Article 35 of the AIFF Disciplinary Code. The club was placed under probation, with a clear warning that any further misconduct would automatically activate the ban.

The February 14 incident, described as involving “multiple instances of pyrotechnics,” was deemed a violation under Article 67 of the Code, alongside ISL League Rules 7.3.8 and 7.5.4.

Following written and oral submissions by the club, the Committee initially ordered the activation of the full stadium closure.

However, after a review petition from Mohun Bagan SG, the sanction was modified, reducing the full closure to a partial stadium closure for the upcoming fixture.

What does this mean?

Mohun Bagan SG’s upcoming home fixture against Odisha FC will now be played under a partial stadium closure, with select sections of the stadium remaining closed to spectators.

The restricted presence of home support at the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan could still impact the matchday atmosphere and potentially dilute the side’s usual competitive advantage.

The AIFF has reinforced its stance that spectator safety remains non-negotiable. While acknowledging fans as key stakeholders.

Deputy Secretary General M. Satyanarayan said, “As per Article 117 of the AIFF Disciplinary Code, 2024, any party that feels aggrieved by a decision of the AIFF Disciplinary Committee has the right to appeal to the AIFF Appeal Committee. Such an appeal must be filed in accordance with the procedural rules laid down in the Code.”

“Mohun Bagan have sent an email to the AIFF Secretariat this morning requesting the stadium ban be lifted. However, it needs to come through proper channels and procedure as per the provisions of the AIFF Disciplinary Code, 2024,” he said.

“Fans are one of the key stakeholders of the game, and we appreciate their contribution. However, at the same time, the security and safety of everyone in the stadium is of paramount importance, and it is something that all parties need to ensure.”

Statement issued by Mohun Bagan SG earlier

Mohun Bagan Super Giant strongly criticized the All-India Football Federation Disciplinary Committee after being charged over alleged spectator misconduct during their match against Chennaiyin FC.

In their official statement, the club confirmed that they have accepted the financial penalty imposed but described the decision to enforce a full stadium closure for their March 6, 2026, home fixture against Odisha FC as “extreme” and deeply disappointing.

Mohun Bagan SG argued that shutting the stadium unfairly penalizes thousands of law-abiding supporters who form the backbone of the club’s identity.

It stated, “The AIFF Disciplinary Committee has charged Mohun Bagan Super Giant over alleged spectator misconduct during the match against Chennaiyin FC. While the Club has responsibly accepted the financial penalty imposed, AIFF has gone to the extreme of ordering a FUIL stadium closure for our home game against Odisha FC on 6 March 2026.”

“We are deeply disappointed with the AIFF Disciplinary Committee’s decision to impose a full stadium closure for our home fixture on 6 March 2026.”

“While we have accepted the financial penalty in good faith, we believe closing the stadium unfairly punishes thousands of passionate, law-abiding supporters who are the heartbeat of our Club.”

The statement further revealed that their appeal for reconsideration in the interest of fans was not accepted. Emphasizing that “football belongs to the fans,” the club maintained that its supporters deserve better and reiterated its concern over the impact of the ruling on match-going faithful.

“Our appeal to reconsider this decision in the interest of our fans has not been accepted. Football belongs to the fans. They deserve better.” it ended with.

Latest statement issued by Mohun Bagan SG after the review petition

Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the latest statement have acknowledged the decision of the All-India Football Federation Disciplinary Committee on their review petition concerning the stadium closure order.

In their statement, the club confirmed that the earlier directive of a full stadium closure has now been modified to a partial closure for the upcoming home fixture against Odisha FC.

It stated, “We acknowledge the AIFF Disciplinary Committee’s decision on our review petition, modifying the earlier full stadium closure to a partial closure for our upcoming home fixture.”

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