Mohun Bagan SG’s Decision to Stay Home
In a significant move, Mohun Bagan Super Giant has decided not to travel to Iran for their upcoming AFC Champions League match against Tractor FC. The club made this decision with the “safety and security” of their players as the top priority. Given the current volatile situation in Iran, this decision comes as a crucial step for the well-being of the players.
Match Scheduled for Wednesday
Originally, Mohun Bagan SG was set to play against Tractor FC on Wednesday. The team planned to fly directly from Bengaluru after their Indian Super League fixture against Bengaluru FC, which took place on Sunday. However, the situation in Iran prompted a swift change of plans.
Players’ Concerns
The club’s players expressed their concerns about traveling to Iran, especially after the country declared a state of mourning for five days. This state of mourning follows the death of a prominent general in Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard due to an Israeli airstrike. A source from Mohun Bagan stated, “Our 35 registered players, including seven foreigners, wrote to the club that they don’t want to go to Iran now.”
The players’ safety concerns prompted the club to take action. The club sent the players’ letters to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), requesting either a rescheduling of the match or a relocation to a neutral venue.
Prioritizing Safety
Mohun Bagan SG made it clear that player safety is paramount. The source emphasized, “We have decided to not travel to Iran keeping our players’ safety and security in mind, because that is paramount.” They also communicated with the Ministry of External Affairs, which had issued an advisory indicating that travel to Iran is at the traveler’s own risk.
Despite having already booked flight tickets and arranged hotel accommodations, the club ultimately chose to prioritize the safety of its players. “We just couldn’t risk our players’ safety when the country is in a state of mourning,” the source added.
Clarification from the AFC
Mohun Bagan SG is actively seeking clarification from the Asian Football Federation regarding their situation. The club aims to understand the next steps and explore options for the match against Tractor FC. The team’s commitment to player safety remains unwavering, and they are determined to make the right decision moving forward.
Previous Match Performance
Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s previous performance in the AFC Champions League has been noteworthy. In their first match of Group A, they played a goalless draw against FC Ravshan from Tajikistan. Currently, Tractor FC leads the standings after securing a 3-0 victory over Qatar’s Al-Wakrah SC.
The club’s decision to withdraw from the match does not reflect their commitment to the tournament. Instead, it highlights their dedication to the well-being of their players.
Looking Ahead
As the situation in Iran evolves, Mohun Bagan SG remains focused on the future. They will continue to monitor developments and assess their options. The club’s commitment to its players and their safety is a guiding principle in these challenging circumstances.
The upcoming weeks will be crucial for the club as they navigate their schedule in the AFC Champions League. Mohun Bagan SG aims to build on their previous performance while ensuring that player safety remains a top priority.
Conclusion
Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s decision to withdraw from their AFC Champions League match against Tractor FC underscores their commitment to player safety. In light of the current situation in Iran, this choice reflects the club’s dedication to the well-being of its athletes. As they seek clarification from the AFC and evaluate their options, fans eagerly await news on the team’s next steps.
With the right focus and preparation, Mohun Bagan SG will continue to strive for success on and off the field. The safety and security of their players will remain at the forefront of all decisions as they move forward in this uncertain environment. Stay updated with the latest from IPL365.
