The much-anticipated game between Mohun Bagan Super Giants and Iranian club Sepahan has been officially cancelled, sparking a major debate amongst the football fans in India.
The cancellation has come after the Indian Super League Shield winners decided against travelling to Iran for their away fixture in the group stage, citing safety issues. This was the second year in a row that Mohun Bagan refused to travel to Iran on safety grounds.
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Why was the match between Mohun Bagan and Sepahan FC match cancelled?
As per the latest development, the Group C game of the AFC Champions League between Mohun Bagan Super Giants and Sepahan FC has been cancelled in accordance with Article 5.2 of the league.
The match was set to be played on September 30th and the Indian club had to report to Sepahan, Iran, before that. They, however, refused to travel to the country, citing the security and safety of the players.
The club released an official statement last week to confirm their stance, which read: "Mohun Bagan prioritises the safety and well-being of its players, officials and support staff. Our players and their families have expressed concern over travel to Iran."
Club statement. pic.twitter.com/8se1AddE9S
— Mohun Bagan Super Giant (@mohunbagansg) September 27, 2025
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed the development.
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What does AFC's Article 5.2 say?
Article 5.2 of the AFC states that if a club fails to report for a scheduled game, they are considered to have withdrawn from the match.
Mohun Bagan out of AFC Champions League Two?
After failing to turn up for their scheduled game in Iran, Mohun Bagan have been removed from the competition and their previous game against Ahal has been considered null and void.
The official statement from AFC read: "In accordance with Article 5.2 of the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26 Competition Regulations (the “Competition Regulations”), the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) confirms that India’s Mohun Bagan Super Giant are considered to have withdrawn from the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26 competition after the club failed to report to Isfahan, Islamic Republic of Iran, for their Group C fixture against Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan SC on 30 September 2025.
"Consequently, the previous match played by Mohun Bagan Super Giant is cancelled and considered null and void in accordance with Article 5.6 of the Competition Regulations. For the avoidance of doubt, no points and goals from the club’s previous match shall be taken into consideration when determining the final Group C standings, pursuant to Article 8.3 of the Competition Regulations."
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