AFC delivers statement on Mohun Bagan's appeal to refrain from travelling to Iran

Amidst safety concerns, AFC has responded to the Mariners’ pleas.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant have opted against travelling to Iran to participate in their second group game in the 2024-25 AFC Champions League Two (ACL 2) clash against Tractor SC. The game was scheduled to take place on 2nd October, but the Mariners’ squad and management decided against making the travel for the game.

The reason is because of the tense situation in Iran. There is a five-day mourning period going on in Iran for Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed after an Israeli air strike. As a result, the Indian side felt that it would be a major risk for the players and support staff members to travel to the country because of the political situation.

The Mariners’ head coach Jose Molina was absent from the scheduled pre-match press conference on 1st October. After that, the AFC representatives had no choice but to cancel the game because the visiting team did not travel for the game.

After that, the federation also released a short statement on the matter that reads: “AFC has taken note of Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s intentions not to travel to Iran for the club’s AFC Champions League Two fixture against Tractor SC. The matter will be referred to the relevant AFC Committees with further updates to be communicated in due course.”

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Mohun Bagan had sent multiple letters to the AFC where they described the reasons for their not wanting to travel to Iran for this match. They had hoped that the game would be postponed or played at an alternate venue, but the federation refused to accept that and will now likely take action against the Indian heavyweights.

As per AFC’s rules, a team that abandons one of the continental games is automatically handed a 3-0 defeat – meaning Tractor will get three easy points despite not even playing the match. The Mariners could even be struck with a $10,000 fine for a no-show in the event.

However, if the federation’s committee deems this to be a serious offence, then Mohun Bagan could face major repercussions.

They could potentially be disqualified from the competition, which would see their one point gained from the draw against Ravshan Kulob eradicated and all their matches cancelled. The Mariners could even be banned from future AFC competitions for this act if the federation deems it necessary.

All that Mohun Bagan can hope is now wait to see how the continental body acts on their decision to not travel for the game (keeping their wellbeing in mind). They are scheduled to face Al-Wakhrah at the Salt Lake Stadium on 23rd October if allowed to play in the competition.

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