Mohun Bagan withdraw from ACL 2 as foreign players refuse to travel to Iran: Report

Mohun Bagan have withdrawn from the AFC Champions League 2 after six of their foreign players declined to travel to Iran. According to the Times of India, the club was scheduled to play their away game against Sepahan FC but was forced to abort the trip after the overseas stars opted out of the game, citing "advisories from their respective countries."

After a meeting involving all the players and Indian staff, a collective decision was taken not to travel to Iran for the match, a club official told PTI on Sunday. The team members were set to fly out of the country for Iran on Sunday morning, after the players were issued e-visas.

"All the six foreigners have declined to travel following travel advisories from their respective countries. The team management fully supports the players' sentiments and decision," the official said.

With Iran currently at war with Israel, the Mohun Bagan officials had sought a written assurance from the AFC about the safety of the players. Sources close to the club claimed that the AFC failed to provide anything of the sort, due to which the club had to prioritise its own safety.

"Several communications were made to the AFC, with a copy to AIFF. However, no assurances (about the safety of the players) were provided. So, after a meeting involving all players and Indian staff, a collective decision was made not to travel — prioritising their own safety and their responsibility toward their families," the official added.

The club said it approached the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Saturday to "seek a fair resolution and safeguard its interests" in the matter.

"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," the club said on its social media handle.

"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."

Earlier, Mohun Bagan had requested the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to shift their September 30 ACL 2 match against Sepahan SC out of Iran, citing safety concerns.

The Mariners had lost their ACL-2 opener to Ahal FK at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on September 16.

Sanction Concerns for Mohun Bagan

Failure to turn up for an AFC Champions League game could mean heavy sanctions for Mohun Bagan and jeopardise the future participation of Indian clubs in ACL 2. Last season, Mumbai City FC were forced to play in Tehran without key foreigners.

Last year, when Mohun Bagan didn’t travel to Iran to face Tractor SC of Tabriz, citing player security amid political tension in the West Asian region, the AFC deemed the ISL champions "withdrawn" from the continent's second-tier club competition as well.