Mohun Bagan Super Giant, the reigning Indian Super League (ISL) champions and one of the country’s most storied clubs, finds itself at the centre of a major controversy. The Mariners’ management has come under fire after deciding not to travel to Iran for their Asian Champions League 2 fixture against Sepahan FC.
The decision, officially attributed to “safety concerns”, followed six of the team’s overseas players refusing to travel to the West Asian nation, which has been embroiled in conflict with Israel. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) treated the withdrawal as a formal forfeit, imposing a financial penalty. Matters escalated when agitated supporters confronted foreign stars Jamie Maclaren, Dimitri Petratos and Jason Cummings after a training session.
Safety or Surrender? The Debate Deepens
Mohun Bagan maintains that the “safety and well-being” of its players were the foremost concern. But the Iranian Football Federation was quick to mock the decision.
Our country is safe. I feel sorry for the Mohun Bagan team. Maybe they do not have money to come to Iran. The team should be fined and suspended.
While the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has declined to comment, Mohun Bagan has escalated the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), seeking “a fair resolution and to safeguard its interests.”
Thapa: ‘Club Did the Right Thing’
Former Mohun Bagan striker Shyam Thapa, one of the icons of the 1970s, believes the club acted prudently.
It’s easy to criticise the club, but they had to keep the well-being of their players uppermost in their minds. Yes, they may be fined or docked points, but the club will get another opportunity in the future. However, if anything untoward happened during the trip, it would have caused a diplomatic crisis and far greater damage to the club’s reputation.
Thapa’s pragmatic view reflects concern for players’ safety over continental glory.
Chowdhury: ‘Commitment Should Have Been Honoured’
Pradip Chowdhury, former India captain and Bagan stalwart from the same era, took a different stand.
The AFC must have considered all factors before scheduling the match in Iran. With more than 200 countries playing international football, these situations arise. Matches are sometimes moved to neutral venues, but since that didn’t happen, Mohun Bagan should have honoured their commitment.
Chowdhury, a recipient of the Mohun Bagan Ratna in 2018, added that he had himself played under volatile conditions.
In 1978-79, we played a match in Beirut under tense circumstances. The ground was cleared of spectators, but the game went ahead without a hitch.
Club Defends Its Position
Mohun Bagan officials insist they had sought written safety assurances from the AFC but received no reply.
After careful consideration of government advisories and potential risks, and respecting players’ sentiments, the club approached the CAS to seek a fair resolution and safeguard its interests.
Last season, Mumbai City FC had faced a similar situation, playing in Tehran without key foreign players.
A Pattern of Caution
This is not the first time Mohun Bagan have refused to play in Iran. Last year, the club pulled out of a scheduled AFC match against Tractor SC of Tabriz, again citing player security amid political tension. On both occasions, the club was deemed to have “withdrawn” from the competition — a move that may now raise questions about its future in Asian football.
A Legacy Tested
For a club that has built its legend on grit and glory, the current episode marks a rare divide among its heroes. Whether Mohun Bagan’s stance will be remembered as a responsible stand or a missed opportunity remains to be seen — but for now, the Mariners’ voyage across Asia stands becalmed in controversy.
