Mohun Bagan Super Giant, the reigning Indian Super League champions, have formally asked.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to shift their upcoming AFC Champions League 2 fixture against Iran’s Sepahan SC on September 30, citing player safety and uncertainty over the participation of foreign players.
While the club has already applied for visas and made travel arrangements, doubts remain over whether UK and Australian nationals Tom Aldred, Dimitri Petratos, Jamie Maclaren, and Jason Cummings will be allowed entry into Iran due to additional travel restrictions.
Sepahan, however, insists the tie should go ahead as planned. “Visas have been issued to every Mohun Bagan squad member, including their foreign players. There is no issue from our side,” a club official said.
Mohun Bagan, who lost 1-2 to Ahal FK in their ACL-2 opener at Salt Lake Stadium on September 16, clarified that they are not refusing to travel but want the AFC to resolve the eligibility concerns. A no-show could lead to heavy sanctions and even threaten future participation of Indian clubs in ACL 2. The Mariners are also facing a tight schedule, with another away tie against Jordan’s Al Hussain on October 21.
Super Cup row
Separately, Mohun Bagan have written to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) ahead of the Super Cup, requesting that the foreign player quota be capped at four instead of the proposed six. The AIFF had initially expanded the limit to six to offset the absence of Indian internationals on national duty.
Quoting AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey’s earlier remarks, Bagan argued that reducing foreign participation in domestic competitions would strengthen the national team. East Bengal had also sought clarity on the rule earlier this month.
The Super Cup group-stage draw will be held virtually on Thursday, with the tournament starting in Goa on October 25. Odisha FC have pulled out, while all other ISL clubs and four I-League sides—Inter Kashi, Real Kashmir, Gokulam Kerala, and Rajasthan United—will compete. Traditionally the season finale, this year’s edition will instead open the domestic calendar, with the winners earning a spot in the 2026-27 ACL 2 qualifiers.
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