The ISL fixture between ATK Mohun Bagan and Bengaluru FC has been postponed to a later date due to COVID cases. This is the second match that the Mariners have had postponed, with their game against Odisha FC being the previous one.
The league has not confirmed the identity of the players or the teams that have requested for the postponement. There has been no date announced for the postponed fixture either.
ATK have yet another ISL game pushed back
The ISL has released an official statement about the issue, which reads as follows:
“Each match is assessed on a number of factors including the ability of the clubs to field a team; the severity of Covid-19 breakout at the club(s); and the ability of the club personnel to safely prepare for and play the match.
The health and safety of all personnel in various bubbles remains our priority, and the League & Clubs will continue to monitor the situation and act accordingly.”
This is in contrast to their previous declaration, which said that teams that are unable to name 15 players in the squad will have to play the game as planned. Failure to do so would result in a 3-0 win handed to the opponents.
However, there seems to be no indication of that rule in this case. There have been protests from other clubs, namely, FC Goa, about the situation.
Bengaluru are fresh off their victory against champions Mumbai City FC, and ATK Mohun Bagan are two games behind the schedule. Both will have to wait to take the pitch again, as per the latest development.