AFC imposes Mohun Bagan ban and $100,000 fine after the club refused to play an Asian Champions League match in Iran

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has banned Indian club Mohun Bagan Super Giant from all AFC competitions and imposed a fine exceeding $100,000 following the team’s refusal to play an Asian Champions League Two group match in Iran.

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Mohun Bagan cited insufficient security assurances and a lack of medical insurance coverage as reasons for failing to travel for their September fixture against Iranian side Sepahan.

The AFC disciplinary and ethics committee confirmed the club’s exclusion from the next edition of the continental second-tier tournament, which runs through the 2027-28 season.

In addition to a $50,000 fine, Mohun Bagan was ordered to pay $50,729 in damages and losses incurred by the AFC and Sepahan, the statement said.

The historic club, one of Asia’s oldest, had requested that the Court of Arbitration for Sport move the fixture to a neutral venue, but the request was rejected.

Mohun Bagan also failed to travel to Iran last year for a match against Tractor SC, following missile attacks launched by Iran towards Israel.

As a result of the no-show, Mohun Bagan’s matches were declared null and void by the AFC, effectively withdrawing the club from the competition.

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The ban and financial penalties highlight the AFC’s strict enforcement of fixture obligations and signal the consequences clubs face for failing to meet continental tournament commitments.