The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) decided that the Kolkata giants had withdrawn from Asian Champions League 2 because they did not travel to Tabriz, Iran, for the match against Tractor FC, citing security concerns. As a result, Mohun Bagan Super Giants are seeking legal advice and are expected to appeal to the AFC. An official from Mohun Bagan stated, "We are consulting lawyers on this one-sided decision." Considering the delicate nature of the matter, the official asked to remain anonymous. After 35 players filed a written commitment refusing to go due of rising instability in west Asia, Mohun Bagan has requested that the match be rescheduled or transferred to a neutral location.

 

"In accordance with Article 5.2 of AFC Champions League 2 2024/25 Competition Regulations, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) confirms that India's Mohun Bagan Super Giant are considered to have withdrawn from the ACL 2 competition after the club failed to report to Tabriz... against Tractor FC on October 2, 2024," the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) stated in a report posted on its website on Monday. stated the AFC. In light of this, all of Mohun Bagan SG's games are annulled and regarded as invalid in line with Article 5.6 of the Competition Regulations. For the avoidance of doubt, in accordance with Article 8.3 of the Competition Regulations, no points or goals scored in the club's games will be taken into account for establishing the final standings in Group A. "AFC Committee(s) relevant to the matter will now be referred for their decision(s) as appropriate." In the competition, Mohun Bagan participated in just one game, a 0-0 home tie against FC Ravshan of Tajikistan on September 18. Al-Wakrah of Qatar rounds out the four-team group.

 

"We have decided to not travel to Iran keeping our players' safety and security in mind, because that is paramount," a Mohun Bagan official was cited by PTI. We have also written to the Ministry of External Affairs since, according to their advice, you are free to go independently to Iran or Israel. Mohun Bagan defeated Mohammedan Sporting 3-0 in the Indian Super League here on Saturday after missing the match in Asia. With seven points from four games, they hold the fourth position in the rankings heading into the international break.