Mohun Bagan Super Giant have been 'withdrawn' from the ongoing AFC Champions League season after the Indian club refused to travel to Iran for their Group B clash with Tractor FC. Mohun Bagan has decided not to send its players to Iran citing their "protection and safety" considering the situation in the Asian country.
Mohun Bagan were scheduled to face Tractor FC on October 2 in what could have been their second match of the 2024-25 AFC Champions League 2. However, their players were unwilling to travel to Tabriz following the death of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah all along. Israeli airstrike in Lebanon.
“In accordance with Article 5.2 of the AFC Champions League Two 2024/25 Competition Regulations (the “Competition Regulations”), the Asian Football Confederation (“AFC”) confirms that Mohun Bagan Super Giant of India is deemed to have withdrawn from the AFC. Champions League 2 after the club failed to report for the AFC Champions League 2 Group A match against Tractor FC on October 2, 2024 in Tabriz, Islamic Republic of Iran,” AFC said in a statement on Monday.
“Consequently, all matches played using Mohun Bagan Super Giant are canceled and deemed void in accordance with Article 5.6 of the Competition Rules. For the avoidance of doubt, no factors and objectives relating to the composition of members shall be taken into account in determining the final ranking in Group A pursuant to Article 8.3 of the Competition Rules,” he added.
The number, the AFC says, may be “referred to the relevant AFC committee(s) as appropriate for its decision(s).
Mohun Bagan Super Giant played out a goalless draw against FC Ravshan of Tajikistan in their first healthy match in Group A. Tractor FC lead the standings after a 3-0 win over Qatar's Al-Wakrah SC.