Mohun Bagan Super Giant Withdraws from AFC Champions League 2
Mohun Bagan Super Giant, the Indian football club, has been deemed to have withdrawn from the AFC Champions League 2 after declining to travel to Iran for their match against Tractor FC. The decision was made due to concerns over the safety and security of the players amidst the volatile situation in Iran at the time.
According to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Mohun Bagan’s withdrawal is in accordance with Article 5.2 of the AFC Champions League 2 Competition Regulations. As a result, all matches played by the club have been canceled and declared null and void. The points and goals from these matches will not be considered in determining the final rankings in Group A.
Mohun Bagan’s decision to withdraw came after 35 registered players, including seven foreigners, expressed their unwillingness to travel to Iran. The club subsequently wrote to the AFC, requesting a rescheduling or relocation of the match to a neutral venue. However, the request was not granted.
In their first match of Group A, Mohun Bagan had played out a goalless draw against Tajikistan’s FC Ravshan. The club’s withdrawal from the competition is a significant setback for Indian football, as it deprives the country of representation in the continent’s second-tier club competition.
The matter will now be referred to the relevant AFC Committee(s) for further decision-making. The AFC has stated that the safety and security of players is paramount and that it will take appropriate measures to ensure the well-being of all participants in its competitions.