India’s Mohun Bagan facing ACL Two expulsion after Iran visit refusal
Indian Super League champion Mohun Bagan SG could be axed from the remainder of the AFC Champions League Two after refusing to visit Iran for a group-stage game.
Persian Gulf Pro League club Sepahan and Mohun Bagan SG were scheduled to square off at Isfahan’s Naqsh-e Jahan Stadium on Tuesday, but, as it stands, the Group C game will not take place after the Indian club decided against traveling to Iran, citing concerns over “the safety and well-being of its players, officials, and support staff.”
“Our players and their families have expressed concern over travel to Iran. The Club, after due consideration, is thoughtful of their request for safety,” the club said in a statement on Sunday.
Iran’s Mehr News Agency reported on Monday that the controversial decision could lead to the club’s expulsion from the tournament, as well as a $50,000 fine.
This is not the first time Mohun Bagan has faced consequences for refusing to play in Iran. Last season, the club was handed a similar punishment when it declined to visit Tabriz for a match against Tractor at the Asian second-tier club competition.
“After careful consideration of the government advisories and the potential uncovered risks involved, and upholding the players’ sentiments, the Club has approached the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to seek a fair resolution and safeguard its interests,” the statement read.
Sepahan got off to a losing start in the competition, suffering a 1-0 loss to Al Hussein of Jordan in Amman two weeks ago, while Mohun Bagan was also beaten by a single goal by Turkmenistan’s Ahal FC in Kolkata.
Esteghlal is the other Iranian side at this year’s tournament and will be looking to bounce back from a first-day 7-1 humiliation at Al Wasl in Group A when hosting Bahrain’s Al Muharraq at the Shahr-e Qods Stadium on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Iranian top-flight champion Tractor will be back in AFC Champions League Elite action today, welcoming the UAE’s Al Wahda to the Yadegar-e Imam Stadium.
Al Wahda kicked off its campaign with a stunning 2-1 defeat of Saudi Pro League champion Al Ittihad, while Tractor – reduced to 10 men in the 50th minute – settled for a 1-1 draw at Shabab Al Ahli in Dubai.
Despite Al Wahda's Matchday One heroics, the record books are firmly in Tractor's favor with the Tabriz-based side unbeaten at home against teams from the UAE in the competition (W4 D2).
Al Wahda has not been successful in its previous trips to Iran, having drawn twice and lost four.