Mumbai City FC gained a significant advantage by extending their lead to two points at the summit of the Indian Super League (ISL) standings.
This came after they received two extra points due to an adjudication ruling against Jamshedpur FC, who were found to have fielded an ineligible player during their 1-1 draw.
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Jamshedpur’s Violation Costs Them Points as Mumbai City FC Takes the Lead
In their home match against the league leaders, Jamshedpur FC put up a valiant effort to secure a draw. However, their efforts were marred by a critical mistake when they replaced an Indian player with a foreigner after Nigerian striker Chima Chukwu received a late-game red card. This substitution resulted in only six Indian players remaining on the field, ultimately leading to the breach of league regulations.
The All India Football Federation’s disciplinary committee stated on Tuesday that Mumbai’s protest was addressed, and it was concluded that Jamshedpur had violated League Rule 4.2.10. According to this rule, it was mentioned that each club should ensure that a minimum of seven domestic players are on the field and actively playing during every match. The rule also specified that failure to adhere to this regulation would lead to a penalty of a 3-0 loss for the defaulting club in the particular match, unless the opposing team had already been winning or won the match by a higher score, in which case the on-field result would stand.
This rule stipulates that, “each club shall ensure that at least seven domestic players are fielded and playing on the field at all times throughout each match.” Failure to comply, the rule states, “will result in a sanction of 3-0 loss for the defaulter club in the particular match, unless the opposing team was winning/has won the match by a higher score, in which case the result on the field will be upheld.”
Following the decision, Mumbai City FC ascended to the top of the league table, while Jamshedpur FC dropped to eighth place with 20 points from 19 matches.
Mumbai City FC, boasting 41 points from 19 matches, currently holds a two-point lead over second-placed Mohun Bagan, who have a game in hand. The teams are scheduled to face each other in the final league match on April 14, a pivotal encounter that is likely to determine the champions of the Shield.
Jamshedpur FC Fined and Expresses Regret Over Unintentional Error
In addition to forfeiting the match with a 0-3 scoreline, Jamshedpur FC was also subjected to a fine of Rs 60,000 as per Article 57 of the AIFF Disciplinary Code. This announcement marked the first instance of such a ruling in the history of the Indian Super League (ISL).
Jamshedpur stated in a statement on Wednesday that it was a genuine mistake made by the personnel involved and not an intentional act carried out with the aim of gaining any wrongful advantage towards the end of the game. They explained that it occurred as a result of human error amidst a red card and subsequent incidents, and they deeply regretted it.
They further expressed their commitment to working hard with renewed determination to achieve positive outcomes in the upcoming games of the ISL. They also mentioned their reliance on the support of their fans in their efforts to qualify for the playoffs.
“We acknowledge the incident regarding the fielding of an ineligible player by Jamshedpur FC in the 87th minute of the match against MCFC on 8th March 2024.”
“Jamshedpur FC always takes the league rules and regulations seriously. Though unintentional, the unfortunate incident is regretful and has adversely impacted the club.”
“It was a genuine mistake on part of the personnel involved and not an intentional act committed with a motive to gain any wrongful advantage towards the closing minutes of the game,” Jamshedpur said in a statement on Wednesday. “It happened as a human error in the midst of a red card followed by subsequent incidents and is deeply regretful.”
“We now look to work hard with renewed vigour towards achieving positive results in the upcoming games of the ISL, with the support of our fans, in our endeavour towards playoff qualification.”
