Reigning Indian Super League champion Mohun Bagan Super Giant has formally requested the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to move its upcoming AFC Champions League Two (ACL 2) fixture against Iranian club Sepahan SC, scheduled for September 30, out of Iran. The club has cited safety concerns and uncertainty over visa clearances for its foreign players as key reasons.
While the Kolkata-based club has already applied for travel documents and made logistical arrangements, doubts linger over the participation of its foreign contingent — Tom Aldred, Dimitri Petratos, Jamie Maclaren and Jason Cummings. All four hail from the UK or Australia, countries whose citizens often face heightened travel restrictions in Iran.
“We are not refusing to travel,” Mohun Bagan clarified in communication with the AFC. “We are only asking the federation to address the situation and ensure the safety and availability of our full squad.”
Sepahan’s head coach, Mir Salehian, dismissed the concerns, asserting that all necessary travel permits had been granted. “Visas have been issued to every Mohun Bagan squad member, including their foreign players. There is no issue from our side,” he stated.
The Mariners, who suffered a shock 1–0 home defeat to Ahal FK in their ACL 2 opener at the Salt Lake Stadium on September 16, now face two crucial back-to-back away fixtures — first against Sepahan, and then against Jordanian side Al Hussain on October 21.
If the club fails to appear for the Sepahan clash, it could invite severe penalties from the AFC, including potential disqualification and broader implications for Indian clubs’ future participation in the tournament. A similar situation arose last season when Mumbai City FC had to compete in Tehran without several key foreign players.
Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan has also approached the All India Football Federation (AIFF) with a request concerning the upcoming Super Cup. The club has urged the federation to limit the number of foreign players allowed in the tournament to four, instead of the proposed six.
The AIFF is reportedly considering raising the foreign player quota to six this year, citing the absence of several top Indian players due to national team commitments. Mohun Bagan, however, referred to earlier comments made by AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, who supported limiting foreign players to promote domestic talent. “Reducing foreign player quotas will help the Indian national team in the long run,” the club reiterated in its letter.
East Bengal had earlier submitted a similar request seeking clarity on the rule.
The group stage draw for the Super Cup will be held virtually on Thursday, with the tournament set to begin in Goa on October 25. The winner of this edition will earn a spot in the 2026–27 AFC Champions League 2 qualifiers.
