Mohun Bagan Super Giants (MBSG) are one of the top clubs in Indian football. The Green and Maroon have struggled with form this season. However, they looked better in their last derby game against Mohammedan Sporting Club. Ahead of that game, the team was supposed to participate in their second AFC Asian Champions League (ACL) tier 2 game against Iran’s Tractor SC. After a 0-0 draw at home against Ravshan Kulob, Jose Molina’s side was looking for a fightback.
However, the team supposedly did not travel to Iran due to its warfare. Iran and Israel are in a war currently. Missiles and bombs are being dropped on the two countries. Due to the security of the footballers, the MBSG management and footballers all gave the letter to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Committee. They stated that they will not be able to travel to Iran due to Security Reasons and Safety Measures.
The Asian Football Confederation has given its verdict on the matter. The decision has gone against the Indian club for not participating in the game. They had to face severe punishment from the AFC. Now the decision states that, even if there is no direct expulsion or punishment, Mohun Bagan is not allowed to play the rest of the matches in ACL 2 for not playing one match.
Mohun Bagan Super Giants robbed by AFC
A statement issued by the AFC said, ‘As Mohun Bagan did not arrive in Iran to play the match by Article 5.2, it is deemed that they have withdrawn from the competition. As per the competition rules, all matches of this competition at Mohun Bagan were canceled as per Article 5.6. As per Clause 8.3, no goals or points from AFC matches shall be counted in the ranking. Is this decision being unfair to the Indian club? Yes, it has been an unfair and unjustified decision done to the club.
Despite knowing the fact that Iran launched ballistic missiles at Israel in response to ongoing hostilities involving Hezbollah in Lebanon, following the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike. The Green Maroons camp also requested that the October 2 Tractor FC match be postponed or held at another venue. But the decision was not taken into consideration as well.
