The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has banned Indian club Mohun Bagan Super Giant from all its competitions and imposed a fine exceeding $100,000 for refusing to play a match in Iran.
The club did not travel for an Asian Champions League Two group match against Sepahan in September, citing insufficient security assurances and lack of medical insurance coverage.
The AFC disciplinary and ethics committee announced that Mohun Bagan will be barred from the next edition of the continental second-tier tournament, extending through the 2027-28 season.
In addition to the ban, the club was fined $50,000 and ordered to pay $50,729 for damages and losses incurred by both the AFC and Sepahan due to its absence.
Following Mohun Bagan’s withdrawal, the matches were declared null and void by the AFC. The club had previously requested the Court of Arbitration for Sport to move the match to a neutral venue, but the request was rejected.
This is not the first instance of Mohun Bagan refusing to play in Iran. The club also did not travel for a match against Tractor SC last year, following missile strikes by Iran targeting Israel, citing security concerns at that time as well.
One of Asia’s oldest football clubs, Mohun Bagan’s repeated withdrawals have now led to significant disciplinary action by the AFC. The ban and financial penalties serve as a stern warning to clubs about compliance with tournament regulations and the obligations to fulfill scheduled fixtures, regardless of logistical or security concerns.
The AFC emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of competitions, noting that repeated non-attendance disrupts tournament schedules, affects other participating teams, and undermines the governing body’s regulatory framework. This disciplinary action highlights the challenges faced by clubs balancing safety concerns with obligations in continental competitions.
