AFC imposes ban and $100,729 fine on Mohun Bagan Super Giant after no-show against Sepahan over security and insurance concerns.

Mohun Bagan AFC

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has banned Indian football club Mohun Bagan Super Giant from all its competitions and levied fines totaling over $100,000 for refusing to travel to Iran for an Asian Champions League Two group stage match against Sepahan in September.

Mohun Bagan cited security risks and lack of medical insurance coverage as reasons for not traveling. The AFC disciplinary and ethics committee confirmed the club will be barred from the next edition of the continental second-tier tournament, valid through the 2027-28 season.

The historic club, one of Asia’s oldest, was fined $50,000 and ordered to pay an additional $50,729 to cover damages and losses incurred by the AFC and Sepahan. Their matches were declared null and void, and the team was withdrawn from the competition.

Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan

Earlier, Mohun Bagan appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport to move the match to a neutral venue, but the request was denied. This marks the second consecutive year the club refused to travel to Iran, citing safety concerns after regional tensions.