Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG), a prominent Indian football club, has received recognition from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for its withdrawal from the AFC Champions League 2 match against Tractor FC in Iran last month. The club cited concerns over player safety and security amidst the volatile situation in the West Asian nation.
The AFC initially withdrew MBSG from the tournament pending a decision on the matter. However, after reviewing the club’s appeal, the AFC Competitions Committee has now acknowledged the force majeure event. This means that MBSG will not face any penalties under clause 5.7 of the AFC Champions League 2 Competition Regulations.
However, as per clauses 5.5 and 5.6 of the regulations, MBSG remains withdrawn from the tournament for the ongoing season. The club was scheduled to face Tractor FC on October 2 in a Group A match of the ACL, the continent’s second-tier club competition.
MBSG’s decision to withdraw was prompted by the players’ reluctance to travel to Iran following the death of a prominent general of the Revolutionary Guard in an Israeli air strike. The situation escalated with Iran launching missiles on Israel, heightening political tensions between the two countries.
The AFC had previously rescheduled matches across its tournaments due to the security situation in Iran. However, MBSG accused the continental football body of “unequal treatment” after it was withdrawn from competitions while other matches were rescheduled.
The recognition of MBSG’s force majeure event by the AFC is a significant development. It acknowledges the club’s concerns for player safety and security and ensures that it will not face any penalties for its withdrawal. However, MBSG’s withdrawal from the tournament for the ongoing season remains a disappointment for the club and its fans.
