AFC Rolls Out Decision on Mohun Bagan Failing to Appear for ACL Two Match in Iran

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After Mohun Bagan didn't travel for their AFC Champions League Two Group A fixture against Tractor FC which was scheduled for October 2, many were awaiting a decision from the AFC side on the matter. It has come in the form of a withdrawal from this season.

The AFC released an official statement this afternoon, clarifying the situation and confirming what's to happen as Mohun Bagan failed to appear for the fixture.

The AFC statement read:

"In accordance with Article 5.2 of the AFC Champions League Two 2024/25 Competition Regulations (the "Competition Regulations"), the Asian Football Confederation (the "AFC") confirms that India's Mohun Bagan Super Giant are considered to have withdrawn from the AFC Champions League Two competition after the club failed to report to Tabriz, Islamic Republic of Iran, for their AFC Champions League Two Group A fixture against Tractor FC on October 2, 2024.

Consequently, all matches played by Mohun Bagan Super Giant are cancelled and considered null and void in accordance with Article 5.6 of the Competition Regulations. For the avoidance of doubt, no points and goals in the club's matches shall be taken into consideration when determining the final rankings in Group A pursuant to Article 8.3 of the Competition Regulations."

The decision not to travel to Iran for the fixture came amid escalating security concerns in Iran following the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. The country had declared a five-day mourning period, and widespread protests erupted in the region.

These events raised alarms among Mohun Bagan's players and officials, who feared for their safety. The club's management, along with 35 players and officials, wrote letters to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), requesting either a change of venue or a rescheduling of the match.

The same concerns are now rising from Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. at Al Nassr for their upcoming AFC Champions League Elite match against Esteghal FC which is scheduled on October 22. As per reports, they will be asking to hold the match at a neutral venue like the Mariners as well. More development on that front awaits.

However, the decision from AFC can be considered a setback for the Mariners, as the club had been one of India's strongest contenders in the tournament. The cancellation of their matches means that this is the end of the journey for Mohun Bagan in ACL 2024-25 season, and the other teams in Group A will have their points recalculated accordingly.