Why AFC Banned Mohun Bagan Till 2027-28 and Slapped $100k+ Fine

AFC bans Mohun Bagan from all competitions until 2027-28, fines club over $100,000 after refusing to play in Iran due to security and medical concerns.

The Asian Football Confederation banned Indian club Mohun Bagan Super Giant from all its competitions and fined it more than $100,000 for refusing to play a match in Iran.

Mohun Bagan did not travel for an Asian Champions League Two group match against Sepahan in Iran in September, citing lack of security assurances and medical insurance coverage.

The AFC disciplinary and ethics committee banned Mohun Bagan from the next edition of the continental second-tier tournament, up to the 2027-28 season, it said in a statement on Wednesday.

Fine and Damages Imposed on Mohun Bagan

One of the oldest football clubs in Asia, Mohun Bagan were also handed a $50,000 fine and told to pay $50,729 for damages and losses incurred by the AFC and Sepahan.

Mohun Bagan were withdrawn from the competition after their no-show and their matches were declared null and void by the AFC.

The club had earlier asked the Court Arbitration for Sport to move the match to a neutral venue, but the request was rejected.

The club also did not travel to Iran last year for a match against Tractor SC, a day after Iran launched missiles towards Israel.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)