TEHRAN - The Asian Football Confederation on Monday announced that Indian Super League club Mohun Bagan Super Giants were ‘considered to have withdrawn from the AFC Champions League Two’ tournament after they did not travel to Iran for their Group B match against Tractor FC on Oct. 2.

The Indian side security had announced that they would not travel to Tabriz amid political unrest and the security situation in Iran.

The Asian football body, however, penalized Bagan for not showing up for the match.

“In accordance with Article 5.2 of the AFC Champions League Two 2024-25 Competition Regulations (the “Competition Regulations”), the Asian Football Confederation confirms that India’s Mohun Bagan Super Giant is considered to have withdrawn from the AFC Champions League Two competition after the club failed to report to Tabriz, Iran, for its AFC Champions League Two Group A fixture against Tractor FC on October 2, 2024," the AFC said in a statement.

Mohun Bagan had reportedly written to the AFC, explaining their players' unwillingness to travel to Iran and urging the governing body to reschedule the match or move it to a neutral venue.

“Consequently, all matches played by Mohun Bagan Super Giant are 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 in the club’s matches shall be taken into consideration when determining the final rankings in Group A pursuant to Article 8.3 of the Competition Regulations.

“The matter will now be referred to the relevant AFC Committee(s) as appropriate for their decision(s),” it added.