Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed that India’s Mohun Bagan Super Giant have been deemed to have withdrawn from the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26, after the club failed to appear for their Group C fixture against Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan SC in Isfahan, Islamic Republic of Iran, scheduled for 30 September 2025.
The decision is made in line with Article 5.2 of the Competition Regulations, which stipulates that a team not reporting for a scheduled match will be considered withdrawn.
As a result, Mohun Bagan’s previously played group match has been cancelled and declared null and void under Article 5.6. In accordance with Article 8.3, all points and goals from that match will be excluded from the final Group C standings.
The case will now be referred to the relevant AFC Committees for further deliberation and potential disciplinary or administrative decisions.
This development significantly impacts Group C’s competitive balance, as Sepahan and the remaining teams will now contest the group without the Kolkata giants. Mohun Bagan’s withdrawal also marks a major setback for Indian football’s presence in continental competitions, given their stature as one of the country’s most decorated and widely supported clubs.
Credit Photo : AFC
