Mohun Bagan Super Giants’ participation in their upcoming AFC Champions League group-stage fixture against Iranian club Sepahan SC has been plunged into fresh uncertainty after all six of the club’s foreign players opted out of travelling to Iran, citing safety concerns.
Jason Cummings, Jamie Maclaren, Dimitri Petratos, Alberto Rodríguez, Robson Robinho and Tom Aldred have officially informed the club that they will not make the trip. According to sources, the decision was taken after apprehension from their families and close associates, who remain uncomfortable with the idea of travelling to Iran.
This latest development leaves Mohun Bagan with only their domestic contingent. As per club insiders, the Indian players have now been asked to confirm their stance by Friday night, on whether they are willing to travel to Iran or not.
The Green-and-Maroon brigade had been scheduled to fly out on September 27 for their September 30 clash in Isfahan. All players had been granted e-visas, and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) had assured the club of full security arrangements. Despite that, Mohun Bagan had earlier written to the AFC competitions committee, requesting a change of venue — a plea that was turned down.
Head coach Jose Molina has continued with preparations in Kolkata after training resumed on Thursday following a weather-enforced break. Yet the uncertainty has cast a cloud over the team’s plans.
If Mohun Bagan do decide to travel, they will be forced to field an all-Indian squad — a scenario reminiscent of 2023, when Mumbai City FC travelled to Iran to face Nassaji Mazandaran with only domestic players after their foreign recruits also chose not to make the trip.
With the AFC unlikely to accommodate further postponements, the decision now rests firmly with the club and its Indian players — whether to board the flight to Iran or to withdraw on account of concerns over safety.
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