Kolkata : Mohun Bagan Super Giants have formally written to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), requesting a change of venue for their upcoming AFC Champions League 2 clash against Iranian club Sepahan SC. The club has cited the safety of its footballers and difficulties faced by several Australian players in securing visas to Iran as the primary reasons behind the appeal.
Mohun Bagan did apply for visas for all players and support staffs even completed logistical arrangements including flight bookings and hotel reservations, complications remain.
It is to be noted that Nationals from countries such as the United Kingdom and Australia face additional restrictions for Iran. As a result, four key foreign players – Tom Aldred, Dimitri Petratos, Jamie Maclaren, and Jason Cummings – are facing visa-related hurdles, raising serious concerns within the management. Safety of all remains another top priority of Mohun Bagan.
The club have therefore urged AFC to consider their request on sympathetic ground. However, it remains to be seen whether the AFC will accept, given that other clubs – such as Al Wahda (set to play Tractor SC on 29th September) and Al Muharraq (due to face Esteghlal) – are travelling to Iran to fulfill their fixtures.
If the AFC rejects their request, the Mariners will travel to Iran with rest of the players (provided visa issue is also not resolved). Else, it could result in sanctions from the AFC and may also limit future participation of Indian clubs in ACL 2, considering the precedent from last season.
