AFC boots out Indian Mohun Bagan from Asian Champions League

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) on Monday announced that Indian Super League club Mohun Bagan Super Giant were ‘considered to have withdrawn from the AFC Champions League Two’ tournament after they did not travel to Iran for their Group B match against Tractor FC on October 2, Report informs via The Indian Express.

The decision comes even as ballistic missiles were reported spotted flying over a stadium in the middle of another AFC Champions League match, between Sepahan and Istiklol Dushanbe. Moreover, airspace above Iran and other countries in the region was closed in the aftermath of the attacks.

The Asian football body, however, penalized Bagan for not showing up for the match.

In a statement, the AFC said the Indian club’s withdrawal would mean all their points and goals would stand at null, as will all future group matches.

“In accordance with Article 5.2 of the AFC Champions League Two 2024/25 Competition Regulations, the Asian Football Confederation confirms that India’s Mohun Bagan Super Giant are considered to have withdrawn from the AFC Champions League Two competition after the club failed to report to Tabriz, Islamic Republic of Iran, for their AFC Champions League Two Group A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,” read the AFC statement.

Mohun Bagan refused to travel to Tabriz, citing security concerns owing to the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli air strike in Lebanon. On the eve of their match, Iran launched a barrage of missiles towards Israel, escalating the tensions that have already gripped the region. Mohun Bagan had chosen to not send their team prior to the launch of the missiles.