By Admin 
Mohun Bagan Super Giant has decided against travelling to Isfahan in Iran for its AFC Champions League 2 match against Sepahan SC scheduled on Tuesday citing security reasons.
The Mohun Bagan team management has instead approached the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to “seek a fair resolution and safeguard its interests”.
“Mohun Bagan Super Giant prioritises the safety and well-being of its players, officials and support staff. Our players and their families have expressed concern over travel to Iran. The club after due consideration is thoughtful of their request for safety,” said a statement issued by the club.
“After careful consideration of the government advisories and the potential uncovered risks involved, and upholding the players’ sentiments, the club has approached the CAS to seek a fair resolution and safeguard its interests,” the club further noted.
The ISL champion was scheduled to fly to Iran in the early hours of Sunday but the team management like the previous season again decided to stay back citing the security of its players.
Last year Mohun Bagan did not travel to Iran to face Tractor SC in Tabriz citing player security owing to conflict in the region. The continental body AFC, which organises the tournament, did not penalise Mohun Bagan and considered it “withdrawn” from the tournament.
It remains to be seen whether the team, which has virtually forfeited its ACL 2 chances once again by this decision, escapes any penal action from the AFC yet again.