The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed that India’s Mohun Bagan Super Giant has officially withdrawn from the ongoing AFC Champions League Two™️ 2024/25 competition.
The decision follows the club’s failure to appear in Tabriz, Iran, for their Group A match against Tractor FC on October 2, 2024, due to concerns related to geopolitical tensions in the region.
The AFC’s decision is in line with Article 5.2 of the AFC Champions League Two™️ Competition Regulations, which states that a team failing to report for a scheduled match is considered to have withdrawn from the tournament.
As a result, per Article 5.6, all matches previously played by Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the competition have been nullified, and points and goals from these games will not count toward the final standings of Group A.
The withdrawal of one of India’s top football clubs has caused a stir among fans and officials alike, with many expressing disappointment at the unfolding situation.
The club cited safety concerns arising from the geopolitical instability in Iran, which influenced their decision not to travel for the crucial fixture.
While Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s matches have been canceled, the remaining Group A teams will continue with their scheduled fixtures, and final rankings will now be determined without considering Mohun Bagan’s participation, in accordance with Article 8.3 of the Competition Regulations.
This development casts uncertainty over Mohun Bagan’s future in the AFC competitions and raises questions about how clubs may navigate complex international conditions in future editions.
The withdrawal of Mohun Bagan from the AFC Champions League Two™️ is expected to negatively impact India’s AFC coefficient points, potentially affecting future club allocations in continental competitions.