Mohun Bagan, who have on their payroll three Nigerian players - Odafe Okolie, Stanley Okoroigwe and Echezona Anyichie- have been ruled out for the current season and the next two years from playing the I-League.

Following disturbances in the 10th round of games against bitter rivals East Bengal, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) decided to sanction India's oldest club by throwing them out of the league.

The match which was played on December 9th was suspended at half time with the scoreline at 1-0. Mohun Bagan refused to continue the game after one of their players was hit by a stone on his face.

''Mohun Bagan is banned from this year I League. All the matches Bagan played in this present I League, will be considered as null & void and this year I League will be treated as 13 teams' league.

''Mohun Bagan will be banned for next two years I League also. In this tenure they can play any tournament except I League, even Federation Cup also. Usually Mohun Bagan doesn't participate in any All India Tournament except Fed Cup,'' the AIFF said in a statement.

Mohun Bagan have won the National Football League three times, with their last triumph coming in the 2001 - 2002 season.

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