Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) have formally written to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), requesting a change of venue for their upcoming AFC Champions League 2 clash against Iranian club Sepahan SC. The club has cited the safety of its footballers and difficulties faced by several foreign players in securing visas to Iran as the primary reasons behind the appeal.
While Mohun Bagan have already applied for visas for all players and support staff, and even completed logistical arrangements including flight bookings and hotel reservations, complications remain. Nationals from countries such as the United Kingdom and Australia face additional restrictions for Iran.
As a result, four key foreign players – Tom Aldred, Dimitri Petratos, Jamie Maclaren, and Jason Cummings – are facing visa-related hurdles, raising serious concerns within the management.
For Mohun Bagan, the safety and well-being of their players remains the top priority. The club have therefore urged AFC to consider their request sympathetically. However, it remains to be seen whether the AFC will accept, given that other clubs – such as Al Wahda (set to play Tractor SC on 29th September) and Al Muharraq (due to face Esteghlal) – are travelling to Iran to fulfil their fixtures.
Importantly, Mohun Bagan have not opted out of travelling to Iran. Instead, the club have taken a responsible stand by highlighting genuine concerns to the AFC. Should their request be denied, the Mariners are prepared to travel and honour the fixture, despite the challenges.
If the AFC does not approve the request, Mohun Bagan will have to travel to Iran to play the game. Otherwise, it could result in sanctions from the AFC and may also limit future participation of Indian clubs in ACL 2, considering the precedent from last season. In such a case, the Mariners will be bound to travel without their four foreign players – similar to how Mumbai City FC had to travel to Tehran to play against Nassaji Mazandaran in 2023.
Also Read: Irish Midfielder Carl McHugh Set to Join Chennaiyin FC