Mohun Bagan Super Giant have been handed a severe setback on the continental stage after the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) imposed a two-year ban on the club for refusing to travel to Iran for an AFC Champions
League Two fixture last season. The decision effectively bars the Kolkata giants from all AFC competitions until the end of the 2027-28 season.
In addition to the suspension, the AFC has fined Mohun Bagan USD 172,900 (approximately ₹91.06 lakh). The penalty was confirmed following a meeting of the AFC's Disciplinary and Ethics Committee, which ruled that the club violated competition regulations by failing to fulfil a scheduled away fixture against Iranian side Sepahan in September last year.
Mohun Bagan had cited player safety concerns as the reason for not travelling to Iran. The club formally requested the AFC to relocate the match to a neutral venue, arguing that the security situation posed potential risks to the players and support staff. However, the continental governing body rejected the request and insisted that the fixture be played as scheduled. When Mohun Bagan failed to show up, the AFC initially deducted all points earned by the club in the ongoing campaign, while warning that stricter sanctions could follow.
Those warnings materialised on Wednesday, with the AFC opting for a two-season ban alongside a financial penalty. According to sources, the fine also covers financial losses incurred by both the AFC and Sepahan due to the abandoned fixture.
The ruling has major implications for the club's future ambitions. Even if Mohun Bagan go on to win the Indian Super League title in the next two seasons, they will remain ineligible to compete in the AFC Champions League Two during the suspension period. The absence from continental football is expected to have sporting and commercial consequences for one of India's most storied clubs.
While Mohun Bagan are yet to issue an official statement, club sources have indicated that the management plans to appeal the decision. The green-and-maroon camp believes that player welfare and safety concerns were not given due consideration.
Notably, this was not the first instance of Mohun Bagan opting out of an Iran trip on security grounds. The previous season had seen a similar decision, with several players - including Jason Cummings and Jamie Maclaren - reportedly expressing reservations about travelling to the country.
As the appeal process looms, the AFC's tough stance has sparked fresh debate over player safety, neutral venues, and flexibility in continental competitions.
