Indian Super League champion Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) has pulled out of its AFC Champions League 2 away match against Iran’s Sepahan SC scheduled for Tuesday as the club’s six foreign players have declined to travel to that nation following “advisories from their respective countries”.
After a meeting involving all the players and Indian staff, a collective decision was taken not to travel to Iran for the match, a club official told PTI on Sunday.
The team members were to fly out of the country for Iran on Sunday morning, after the players were issued e-visas.
“All six foreigners have declined to travel following travel advisories from their respective countries. The team management fully supports players’ sentiments and decision,” the official said.
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The club on Saturday approached the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) for a resolution regarding its travel to Iran for the AFC Champions League Two (ACL 2) match.
“MBSG prioritises 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 said on its social media handle.
“After careful consideration of the government advisories and the potential uncovered risks involved, and upholding the players’ sentiments, the club has approached the CAS to seek a fair resolution and safeguard its interests.”
Earlier, MBSG had requested the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to shift its September 30 ACL 2 match against Sepahan SC out of Iran, citing safety concerns.
MBSG has the Australian attacking trio of Dimitri Petratos, Jamie Maclaren, and Jason Cummings, while defender Tom Aldred is from the UK. The other two defenders — Alberto Rodriguez and Robson Robinho — are from Spain and Brazil, respectively.
The Mariners, who secured a direct spot in the ACL 2 after winning the ISL, opened their continental campaign with a 0-1 loss to Ahal FK from Turkmenistan at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on September 16.
They now face two back-to-back away games against Sepahan on September 30 and Jordan’s Al Hussain on October 21.
Failure to turn up could result in severe sanctions and jeopardise the future participation of Indian clubs in ACL 2. Last season, Mumbai City FC was forced to play in Tehran without key foreigners.
(with inputs from PTI)
Published on Sep 28, 2025
