Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata

Kolkata, Dec 18: Indian football’s reigning ISL champions, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, have been hit with a major setback as the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) imposed a one-season ban and fines totaling USD 100,729 (around INR 91 lakh) following the club’s withdrawal from the 2025-26 AFC Champions League Two.

The AFC Disciplinary and Ethics Committee ruled on Wednesday that Mohun Bagan wrongfully withdrew from the continental competition after refusing to travel to Iran for a group-stage match against Sepahan SC. The decision, numbered VVC 20251217DC21, cited a breach of Article 5 (Withdrawal from the Competition) of the ACL Two Competition Regulations, noting that the club failed to fulfil its fixture once the group stage had commenced.

As part of the sanctions, Mohun Bagan SG has been fined USD 50,000 and directed to pay USD 50,729 in compensation for damages and losses claimed by the AFC and Sepahan SC. Additionally, the club is disqualified from participating in the next AFC club competition for which they would otherwise qualify, with the ban remaining effective up to and including the 2027–28 season.

The ruling marks a significant blow to Indian football, which is already facing uncertainty with its domestic season in limbo, and raises questions about the participation of top Indian clubs in continental tournaments in the near future.