Ronaldo's Match Shift Causes Frustration Among Indian Fans
The match between Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr and Esteghlal Tehran in the AFC Champions League was to be played in Iran. But the match has been shifted due to security reasons to Dubai. This move has been highly detested in India. Kolkata-based Mohun Bagan Super Giants had a lot to say about this decision of the AFC.
Scaffolding of Injustice Across the AFC Decisions
Similar security concerns compelled Mohun Bagan to avoid going to Iran where they were scheduled to play against Iran's Tractor SC on October 2 at Tabriz. The team feared for their safety and that of the staff and decided not to take any risk and travel. Unlike Ronaldo's team, whose match was shifted, Mohun Bagan had no option other than to forfeit the qualifier.
This is what one representative from Mohun Bagan had to say: We brought to the notice many times the unsafe conditions there in Iran. Still, no one was ready to hear out our concerns.
This unequal treatment of teams has become a cry because Indian football fans feel the AFC is partial.
Is Indian Football Given the Cold Shoulder?
Such an incident has once again seen the arena abuzz with discussions about whether Indian football is taken seriously on the international circuit. The situation had the fans questioning which of their team grievances are not as valid compared to big-name clubs like Ronaldo's Al-Nassr.
Hence, favoring Al-Nassr over Mohun Bagan has ripples that feel some undeclared favoritism going on with the decision-making process by the AFC. Fans believe that this smacks Indian football off the global sports platform and its relevance.
AFC Must Reconsider
The Mohun Bagan hopes it gets reinstated in the competition, as they claim that they deserve the level of attention being given to other clubs. Indian fans are demanding the AFC revise their decision, asking for equality among the clubs and no discriminative manners toward high-profile clubs.
As the dust settles in this situation, it leaves a bitter taste in the mouths of Indian football enthusiasts, claiming that their game is being overlooked in the bigger picture of international football.
Does Indian football even matter to the AFC?
The case of Mohun Bagan raises pertinent questions on how the AFC perceives Indian football. By moving Ronaldo's game to a safer venue while ignoring similar apprehensions coming from Mohun Bagan, it is a negative message being sent by the AFC to the followers of Indian football. Does the world football community even consider Indian teams serious?
This is not a matter of logistics for matching the games, but rather a larger issue of respect and dignity. Indian football, who have their rich history, deserve equal treatment, not just security-wise, but by all means towards the sport. The actions of AFC go to show bias many fans do not appreciate. Is the AFC to be selective in prioritizing player safety only when it affects high-profile teams? If that is indeed the case, then what holdups lie in Indian football's future?
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