Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: The All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) disciplinary committee has fined Mohun Bagan Super Giants and ordered full stadium closure of the Salt Lake Stadium for using “multiple instances of pyrotechnics” during the season opener against Kerala Blasters on February 14.As a result, MBSG will play their upcoming home game against Odisha FC on March 5 at an empty Salt Lake Stadium.
In their statement, the AIFF disciplinary committee explained that the penalty was imposed for yet another ‘spectator misconduct,’ as the club had been warned and given a suspended sanction of one year in April 2025. Mohun Bagan fans were found guilty of launching fireworks during a home game against Bengaluru FC on April 12, 2025. They were then handed a suspended sentence but were warned that a repeat would invite harsh punishment.After the latest infraction, MBSG were notified on February 16 and allowed time until February 21 to give a written reply. A week later, on February 28, the Disciplinary Committee considered the written and oral submissions and found the club to have infringed on Article 67 of the Code, read with Rules 7.3.8 and 7.5.4 of the Indian Super League 2025-26 League Rules.AIFF deputy secretary general M Satyanarayan said in a statement, “As per Article 117 of the AIFF Disciplinary Code, 2024, any party that feels aggrieved by a decision of the AIFF Disciplinary Committee has the right to appeal to the AIFF Appeal Committee. Such an appeal must be filed in accordance with the procedural rules laid down in the Code.”“Mohun Bagan have sent an email to the AIFF Secretariat this morning requesting the stadium ban be lifted. However, it needs to come through proper channels and procedure as per the provisions of the AIFF Disciplinary Code, 2024,” he said. “Fans are one of the key stakeholders of the game, and we appreciate their contribution. However, at the same time, the security and safety of everyone in the stadium is of paramount importance, and it is something that all parties need to ensure.”
‘Fans deserve better’
Earlier in the day, MBSG said it has accepted the fine and the ban on spectators for its upcoming home game.“The AIFF Disciplinary Committee has charged Mohun Bagan Super Giant over alleged spectator misconduct during the match against Chennaiyin FC. While the Club has responsibly accepted the financial penalty imposed, AIFF has gone to the extreme of ordering a FULL stadium closure for our home game against Odisha FC on 6 March 2026,” Mohun Bagan said in a statement.“We are deeply disappointed with the AIFF Disciplinary Committee’s decision to impose a full stadium closure for our home fixture on 6 March 2026.“While we have accepted the financial penalty in good faith, we believe closing the stadium unfairly punishes thousands of passionate, law-abiding supporters who are the heartbeat of our Club,” it added.The club said that its appeal to reconsider the ban was “in the interest of our fans.” “Football belongs to the fans. They deserve better,” it said.Mohun Bagan Super Giants are currently top of the ISL standings with three wins in three matches, ahead of Jamshedpur FC on goal difference.
