Athletic 220 FC Withdraws from MPL

Image property of Athletic 220 FC

Just weeks before the 2022/23 MPL season kicks off, Athletic 220 FC has announced that it has withdrawn from the Mongolian Premier League, effective immediately. According to the statement posted by the club on Facebook, the move is caused by financial difficulties in recent times, presumably caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Athletic 220 FC had almost unmatched success for a young club since its inception in 2016. It finished second in the 1st League in its first season of existence before spending its remaining six years in Mongolia's top flight. They earned a third place finish and a pair of league titles over that time, in addition to being three-time Super Cup runners up.

The club appeared in the 2021 and 2022 AFC Cups, making history by scoring its first goal in the latter competition against Hong Kong's Lee Man FC. That goal was scored by Nyam-Osor Naranbold who was the club's, and oftentimes league's, top scorer every season.

While the statement vows that the club will make a return in the future, it is uncertain if, when, and to what extent that will happen. The club is one of several with financial difficulties in recent years, most notably Anduud City FC which folded following the 2019 season.

With Athletic 220 FC out of the MPL, BCH Lions will round out the 10-team field. Last year BCH Lions earned automatic relegation with their last-place finish, but is saved by Athletic 220's misfortune.

The club's full statement can be read below:

Athletic 220 club has introduced a new wind, a new tone and style to the development of Mongolian football for a total of 6 years since its foundation. won, competed in the group stage of the AFC CUP, a prestigious tournament of the Asian Football Confederation, and became the owners of a great success, who managed to register their first international goal at the club level. To create this success, which is a big pillar in the history of Mongolian football, loyal fans, sponsors, coaches, athletes, doctors, backroom staff, brothers and friends who wholeheartedly supported our club and the minds of many people who proudly walked under the name of Athletic 220. sweat and hard work.

Unfortunately, it's no secret that in recent years, not only clubs from countries with less football development, but also teams from countries with a high level of development have faced financial problems. Due to the above reasons, it is officially announced that Athletic 220 will not be able to play in the Premier League starting this season.

We would like to thank our sponsors and partners for their unselfish support of our club, our athletes and loyal fans who give every drop of sweat to our team.

Finally, this is not the end and we will come back stronger after some time.