Mohun Bagan SG Puts Players' Safety First, Decides Not to Travel to Iran

"Our 35 registered players, which includes seven foreign players, have expressed their concerns about traveling to Iran at this time. As a result, we have labeled and submitted their letters to the club. We have also reached out to the AFC, requesting for the match to be rescheduled or moved to a neutral venue," a source from Mohun Bagan informed PTI on Monday from Kolkata.

"We have decided to not travel to Iran keeping our players' safety and security in mind, because that is paramount. We have also written to the ministry of external affairs as their advisory states that you can go to Iran or Israel on your own responsibility," the source added.

"We had our flight tickets booked and the hotel accommodation was also arranged, but we just couldn't risk our players' safety when the country is in a state of mourning." The club sought clarity on the issue from the Asian Football Federation, the game's continental body.

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Mohun Bagan Super Giant were slated to face Tractor FC in their second game of the 2024-25 AFC Champions League 2 at the Yadegar-e Emam Stadium in Iran's Tabriz.

In their first match of Group A, Mohun Bagan Super Giant had played out a goalless draw against Tajikistan's FC Ravshan. Tractor FC lead the standings following a 3-0 win over Qatar's Al-Wakrah SC.