The issue stems from MBSG’s failure to appear for their Group C match against Sepahan SC, scheduled to be played in Iran on September 30, 2025. The club stated that they were unable to travel due to security risks, government advisories, and the unavailability of insurance coverage, all of which raised concerns over player safety.

This incident proved costly as it was the second consecutive season in which Mohun Bagan pulled out of an away fixture in Iran. Due to this repeated action, the AFC decided to impose stricter sanctions, resulting in a ban covering two AFC club competition cycles.

As per the ruling, MBSG will be ineligible for the 2026–27 and 2027–28 AFC club seasons. However, the AFC clarified how the ban will be applied. If Mohun Bagan qualify for continental competition by winning the ISL Shield in either the 2025–26 or 2026–27 season, the ban will be served in the 2026–27 season, which would allow them to return to AFC competition in 2027–28, provided they qualify again. If they do not qualify during that period, the ban will apply to the next available AFC slot.

Before withdrawing, Mohun Bagan had requested the AFC to allow the match to be played at a neutral venue, but the request was denied. The club then approached the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) seeking urgent relief, but their appeal for a provisional measure was unsuccessful, leaving the AFC decision in place.

The ruling is a major setback for Mohun Bagan Super Giant, one of India’s most prominent clubs, and could impact their continental ambitions in the coming seasons. While the club maintained that player safety was the top priority, the AFC has taken a firm stance on participation obligations, especially in cases of repeated withdrawals.

The situation highlights the growing challenges Indian clubs face in continental competitions, particularly regarding travel, security, and administrative constraints, and is likely to spark wider discussions within Indian football moving forward.

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