Mohun Bagan withdraws from AFC Champions League 2 in Iran due to security concerns

(Photo: X/Mohun Bagan Super Giant)

Tabriz (Iran): In a significant development, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed that India’s Mohun Bagan Super Giant has officially withdrawn from the AFC Champions League 2 (ACL 2) for the 2024-25 season.

This decision comes after the club cited the deteriorating security situation and ongoing political unrest in the region as reasons for their failure to travel to Iran for a scheduled match against Tractor FC on October 2.

The matter will now be referred to the relevant AFC Committees for further decisions.

The AFC issued a statement confirming the withdrawal, referencing Article 5.2 of the ACL 2 Competition Regulations. The governing body further noted that all matches played by Mohun Bagan SG are now cancelled and deemed null and void, in accordance with Article 5.6 of the regulations.

"For the avoidance of doubt, no points and goals in the club’s matches shall be taken into consideration when determining the final rankings in Group A pursuant to Article 8.3," the AFC added.

Mohun Bagan, who finished third in the AFC Cup group stage last season and failed to advance to the knockout stage, began this year’s campaign with a 0-0 draw against Tajikistan’s Ravshan Kulob at the Salt Lake Stadium last month. They were drawn in Group A alongside Qatar's Al Wakrah SC, Iran's Tractor SC, and Ravshan Kulob.

The withdrawal marks a notable moment in the competition, impacting the dynamics within Group A and raising concerns among fans and officials regarding the broader implications of regional instability on football in Asia.