New Delhi, March 3 (NationPress) The All-India Football Federation (AIFF) has declined a request from Mohun Bagan Super Giant to lift the stadium suspension imposed due to violations of ‘spectator misconduct’. This penalty stems from their match against Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 season, held on February 14, 2026, at Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata.

The club is facing sanctions for “multiple instances of pyrotechnics” activated by home fans during the match. Consequently, the AIFF Disciplinary Committee, which comprises retired justices from the Supreme Court and High Court, has enforced a “full stadium closure” on the team.

This strict ruling is a result of the club already being on probation due to a similar incident involving their home supporters against Bengaluru FC on April 12, 2025.

Mohun Bagan's appeal to lift the ban was dismissed as it did not follow the necessary protocols. “The request sent via email to the AIFF Secretariat this morning did not adhere to the required procedures in accordance with the AIFF Disciplinary Code, 2024,” stated AIFF Deputy Secretary General, Mr. M. Satyanarayan. “While we appreciate the contributions of fans, the safety and security within the stadium remain our top priority, which all involved must uphold,” he added.

According to Article 117 of the AIFF Disciplinary Code, 2024, any party unsatisfied by the decision of the AIFF Disciplinary Committee has the right to appeal to the AIFF Appeal Committee, following the procedural rules set out in the Code.

The AIFF previously detailed the background of the incident and the rationale behind the severe measures applied against Mohun Bagan Super Giant.

The AIFF Disciplinary Committee had, on June 3, 2025, penalized Mohun Bagan Super Giant for multiple violations of spectator misconduct throughout the 2024-25 season, particularly during Match No. 163 against Bengaluru FC on April 12, 2025.

Following official reports and a complaint lodged by Bengaluru FC, the Committee ruled that “fireworks” were launched from the home stands into the away section, endangering traveling supporters and requiring medical intervention for some.

The Committee opted to suspend the sanction for one year in accordance with Article 35 of the AIFF Disciplinary Code, warning that further violations during this period would result in the immediate activation of the suspension.

Despite the suspended sanction, another complaint regarding fan misconduct during a match involving Mohun Bagan was reported to the Committee.

During Match No. 1 of the ISL 2025-26 season on February 14, 2026, against Kerala Blasters FC, instances of pyrotechnics were once again reported from home spectators.

A charge notice was issued on February 16, 2026, allowing MBSG until February 21, 2026, to respond and request an oral hearing.

In its session on February 28, the Committee reviewed both written and oral submissions from the club and determined that an infringement of ‘spectator misconduct’ had occurred, as per Article 67 of the Code, in conjunction with Rules 7.3.8 and 7.5.4 of the ISL 2025-26 League Rules.

Due to the club violating terms again during the probationary period, the suspension of the sanction was automatically lifted. As a result, a full stadium closure will be enforced for their next home match against Odisha FC on March 6, 2026, at the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata, in accordance with the prior season's decision.