ISL have suspended a third ATK Mohun Bagan match in a row, with their game against league leaders Kerala Blasters now pushed back. This time, though, it is Kerala Blasters who are unable to field a team to compete.
The ISL have confirmed their decision in an official statement as well:
“Hero Indian Super League (ISL) has decided to postpone Match No. 66 between Kerala Blasters FC and ATK Mohun Bagan scheduled to be played on Thursday, January 20, 2022, at Tilak Maidan Stadium, Vasco.
Assessing the situation based on the advice of the League’s medical team, Kerala Blasters FC are unable to field a team and safely prepare for and play the match.
Match No. 53 between ATK Mohun Bagan and Odisha FC has been rescheduled to Sunday, January 23, 2022, at the PJN Stadium, Fatorda. Kick-off is at 9:30 PM IST. The match was originally scheduled for Saturday, January 8, 2022.”
ATK Mohun Bagan’s vs Odisha gets rescheduled date in ISL
ATK Mohun Bagan have played the least number of games in the table so far, with only nine to their name. They have three games to catch up on, the first of which has a replay date now.
ISL’s rules surrounding the COVID-19 situation have a degree of ambiguity in them. The league had previously announced that teams that could field 15 players would go ahead with their games, but it seems to be postponing games every week, suggesting a concerning situation about the well being of the players and coaches in the bio bubble.