By News18,Siddarth Sriram

Copyright news18

Indian Super League champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) have withdrawn from their AFC Champions League 2 away fixture against Iran’s Sepahan SC, originally scheduled for Tuesday.
The decision came after all six of the club’s foreign players refused to travel to Iran, citing government advisories from their respective countries.
A club official confirmed on Sunday that the squad was due to fly out that morning after receiving e-visas, but a meeting between the players and Indian staff led to a unanimous decision not to travel.
“All the six foreigners have declined to travel following travel advisories from their respective countries. The team management fully supports players’ sentiments and decision,” the official told PTI.
Safety Over Sport
Mohun Bagan emphasized that the decision was taken to prioritize player safety and family concerns. The club revealed that multiple communications had been made to the AFC, with copies to the AIFF, requesting assurances on safety, but no satisfactory response was received.
“After a meeting involving all players and Indian staff, a collective decision was made not to travel—prioritizing their own safety and their responsibility toward their families,” the official added.
The club has since confirmed it has approached the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to “seek a fair resolution and safeguard its interests.”
Foreign Stars Decline Travel
MBSG’s foreign contingent includes Australian trio Dimitri Petratos, Jamie Maclaren, and Jason Cummings, British defender Tom Aldred, Spanish defender Alberto Rodriguez, and Brazilian defender Robson Robinho. All six opted against traveling to Iran.
Last season, Mumbai City FC were forced to play in Tehran without their foreign players under similar circumstances, setting a precedent that raised concerns in Indian football circles about player welfare in politically sensitive regions.
AFC Clash Already in Trouble
The Mariners had already endured a shaky start to their ACL 2 campaign, suffering a home defeat to Ahal FK at the Salt Lake Stadium on September 16.
Their refusal to travel could now invite serious sanctions from the AFC, potentially jeopardizing not only their campaign but also the future participation of Indian clubs in continental competitions.
Adding to the tension, MBSG are also scheduled to face Jordan’s Al Hussain on October 21.
If AFC follows last year’s approach– when Mohun Bagan were deemed “withdrawn” from the competition after refusing to play Iranian club Tractor SC — the Mariners’ ACL-2 journey may already be at risk.
(with PTI inputs)