New Delhi: The Asian Football Confederation’s recent decision has caused some retaliation after being perceived as partial to Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr whilst treating the same issue differently with Mohan Bagan Super Giants. As is understood, the AFC have decided to shift the AFC Champions League match between Cristiano ROnaldo’s Al Nassr and Esteghlal FC at a neutral venue.
With escalating tensions and political disruptions in the region, concerns for players’ safety have risen, leading MBSG to decide against travelling to Iran. This ultimately led to punishment against the club from the AFC. With the latest developments in the story, the fairness of the AFC’s decision-making body has been questioned.
Esteghlal recently mentioned on their social media handle X that AFC had recently sent a letter to the Football Federation and had urged the club to introduce a neutral ground in order to host the Al-Nassr during the third week of the Asian League.
According to the Times of India news outlet, AL Nassr’s request to shift the game to Dubai has been accepted, having already requested to move the game from Tehran due to constant political turmoil on the rise in the Middle East.
🚨 @a_altamimi11 🚨
Al Nassr management addresses the Saudi Football Federation requesting that a letter be sent to the Asian Federation to move the Al Nassr match against Esteghlal from Iran to neutral territory. pic.twitter.com/a9bnnHlVhT
— Al Nassr Zone (@TheNassrZone) October 8, 2024
Earlier in, Mohun Bagan had requested their game against Tractor S.C. on October 2nd to be shifted from Sahand Stadium in Tabriz and refused to travel to Iran over security concerns for their players and management staff after widespread protests in the country. Players, too, had voiced their concerns about travelling to Iran. However, they were barred out of the tournament for their stance.
AFC dismissed Mohun Bagan’s appeal to shift the venue or postpone the match and instead decided to expel the club from participating in the tournament. Given the circumstances of the request, many have viewed the punishment as unfair. This has clearly pointed out a bias in the AFC’s delivery of just rulings.
A Mohun Bagan official has commented that the committee made two different decisions for two teams and expressed grievance for the club’s harsh punishment, while Al Nassr’s concerns are being treated with more seriousness and more accommodatingness. Players and staff feel that the decision shows a contradictory stand by the AFC.
After AFC accepts Al Nassr’s appeal for not travelling to Iran amidst rising political tension in the region, concerns rise over the association’s fair decision making. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
