Indian football giants Mohun Bagan Super Giant have been hit with a major blow from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) after refusing to travel to Iran for an Asian Champions League match in September 2025. The AFC has imposed a ban on the club, preventing them from participating in their next eligible continental competition until the 2027-28 season, while also levying fines exceeding $100,000.

AFC’s Disciplinary Decision

The AFC disciplinary and ethics committee made the ruling on Wednesday, officially excluding Mohun Bagan from the upcoming edition of the Asian competition they qualify for. Alongside the ban, the club has been fined $50,000 and ordered to pay an additional $50,729 in damages and losses incurred by both the AFC and Sepahan SC, the Iranian club scheduled to face Mohun Bagan in the group stage.

Mohun Bagan also forfeits any subsidies or financial benefits for participating in the continental second-tier tournament. The AFC declared the matches that Mohun Bagan withdrew from as null and void.

Reason for Withdrawal: Security and Insurance Concerns

The Indian club cited serious security concerns and the absence of adequate medical insurance coverage for players while in Iran. According to a senior Mohun Bagan official, the club had a responsibility to protect players’ lives and their families’ safety.

“The players decided they can’t take this risk, where lives and their families’ future are at stake. So we have to stand with them,” the official told Reuters.

Mohun Bagan’s squad includes players from Australia, Spain, and the United Kingdom—countries that have issued travel advisories warning their citizens against visiting Iran due to geopolitical tensions.

Previous Incidents

This is not the first time Mohun Bagan has refused to travel to Iran for competitive matches. Last year, the club withdrew from a fixture against Tractor SC scheduled for October 2, 2024, following Iran’s launch of ballistic missiles towards Israel. On that occasion, the club was also withdrawn from the tournament.

Legal Appeals and CAS Ruling

Mohun Bagan approached the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), requesting that the Iran match be moved to a neutral venue. However, CAS denied the club’s initial request, forcing Mohun Bagan to comply with the AFC’s schedule or face disciplinary action.

Despite the ruling, Mohun Bagan officials have indicated they are considering an appeal against the AFC suspension.

Impact on Indian Football

The ban and fines are a significant setback for Mohun Bagan, one of India’s most historic and popular football clubs. It also raises broader questions about the challenges Indian football teams face when competing internationally, especially in politically sensitive regions.

Fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see how Mohun Bagan navigates this controversy and whether the club can secure a favorable outcome in any potential appeals.

Conclusion

Mohun Bagan’s ban by the AFC highlights the complex intersection of sports, safety, and international politics in Asian football. While the club prioritizes player security, the consequences in terms of fines and tournament bans are severe. This case is likely to set a precedent for how Asian football governing bodies handle similar situations in the future.