Mohun Bagan Pulls Out of 2025-26 AFC Champions League Two Amid Security Concerns

Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG), one of India’s most prominent football clubs, has officially been “considered to have withdrawn” from the 2025-26 AFC Champions League Two after failing to travel to Iran for their Group C match against Sepahan SC. The decision was confirmed by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) on Tuesday, following the top Indian club’s inability to report to Isfahan, Islamic Republic of Iran, for the scheduled fixture on September 30, 2025.

The Indian Super League (ISL) champions had earlier informed PTI that they were withdrawing from the match as six of their foreign players refused to travel to Iran. This decision came in light of travel advisories issued by their respective home countries, which flagged potential security risks.

In its official statement, the AFC said, “In accordance with Article 5.2 of the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26 Competition Regulations (the ‘Competition Regulations’), India’s Mohun Bagan Super Giant are considered to have withdrawn from the competition after the club failed to report for their Group C fixture against Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan SC.” The matter will now be referred to the relevant AFC Committee for further deliberation and appropriate action.

The continental body also clarified the implications for Mohun Bagan’s previous matches in the tournament. “Consequently, the previous match played by Mohun Bagan Super Giant is cancelled and considered null and void in accordance with Article 5.6 of the Competition Regulations. No points or goals from the club’s previous match shall be taken into consideration when determining the final Group C standings, pursuant to Article 8.3 of the Competition Regulations,” the AFC added.

This is not the first time Mohun Bagan has faced such a situation. Last year, the club did not travel to Iran to face Tractor SC of Tabriz, citing concerns over player safety amid political tensions in West Asia. In that instance, the AFC similarly deemed the club “withdrawn” from the second-tier continental competition.

According to a club official, the decision was made collectively after discussions involving all players and the Indian support staff. The players were initially scheduled to fly to Iran on Sunday morning after receiving e-visas, but the prevailing safety concerns ultimately led to the withdrawal.

Mohun Bagan also revealed that it has approached the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to protect its interests and seek a fair resolution. On the club’s official social media handle, they stated, “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 the government advisories and the potential uncovered risks involved, and upholding the players’ sentiments, the club has approached the CAS to seek a fair resolution and safeguard its interests.”

The withdrawal is a significant development for Indian football, highlighting the challenges clubs face when navigating international tournaments amid geopolitical tensions and safety concerns. Mohun Bagan, a club with a rich legacy in Indian football, now faces uncertainty regarding its standing in continental competitions. Fans and football analysts are closely monitoring the AFC’s upcoming decisions to determine how this incident will impact the final Group C results and the club’s future participation.

As Indian football continues to grow on the Asian stage, the situation underscores the importance of player welfare and prudent decision-making in the context of international competitions. While sporting ambitions are important, the safety of athletes and staff remains a priority for clubs navigating complex global environments.