Mohun Bagan Super Giant Seeks Change in AFC Champions League Fixture
Mohun Bagan Super Giant, the current champions of the Indian Super League, have officially asked the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to move their upcoming AFC Champions League 2 match against Iran’s Sepahan SC, set for September 30. The club’s main concern is the safety of their players and uncertainty regarding the travel of some foreign players.
The team has already taken steps to secure visas and arrange travel, but they are worried about whether players from the UK and Australia—Tom Aldred, Dimitri Petratos, Jamie Maclaren, and Jason Cummings—will be permitted to enter Iran due to heightened travel restrictions.
On the other hand, Sepahan’s management has assured that everything is in order. “All Mohun Bagan players, including their foreign members, have been issued visas. There shouldn’t be any issues from our side,” stated the Sepahan manager, insisting that the match should go ahead as planned.
After losing their first match 1-2 against Ahal FK at Salt Lake Stadium on September 16, Mohun Bagan clarified that they are not refusing to travel. Instead, they are asking the AFC to resolve the issues regarding the eligibility of their foreign players. Failing to appear for the match could lead to severe penalties and could also risk Indian clubs’ participation in future competitions. They face a challenging schedule with another away match against Al Hussain in Jordan on October 21.
Super Cup Request
In another development, Mohun Bagan has reached out to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) regarding the upcoming Super Cup. They are requesting that the number of foreign players allowed be limited to four, rather than the initially proposed six. This change aims to support the national team, as highlighted by AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey, who noted the importance of reducing foreign player numbers in domestic leagues. East Bengal has also sought clarification on this rule recently.
The draw for the Super Cup group stage will take place virtually on Thursday, with the tournament kicking off in Goa on October 25. Odisha FC has opted out, but other ISL clubs will join four I-League teams: Inter Kashi, Real Kashmir, Gokulam Kerala, and Rajasthan United. Typically concluding the season, this year’s tournament will launch the domestic calendar, with the winners earning a spot in the AFC Champions League 2 qualifiers for the 2026-27 season.
