Why Mumbai City FC are being awarded three points for Jamshedpur game?: Reason Revealed

The Mumbai City FC vs Jamshedpur FC game initially ended in a 1-1 draw.

The Indian Super League (ISL) encounter between Jamshedpur FC and Mumbai City FC on March 8, 2024, could see a dramatic twist in the final result. While the match ended in a 1-1 draw, Mumbai City FC have lodged a protest with the league committee alleging Jamshedpur FC fielded an ineligible player.

The crux of the issue lies in the ISL’s rule regarding domestic players. The rule states: “Each Club shall ensure that at least seven (7) Domestic Players are fielded and playing on the field at all times throughout each Match except where any such Domestic Player(s) is dismissed as a result of him receiving a red card in such Match.”

Furthermore, the rule specifies that, “Failure to comply with this rule 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 awarded.”

The situation arose when Jamshedpur FC forward Daniel Chima Chukwu received a red card during the match. In response, Jamshedpur opted to substitute Imran Khan with Alen Stevanovic. This substitution, however, left them with only six domestic players on the field, potentially violating the ISL’s minimum requirement of seven.

Mumbai City FC, aware of the rule, are now seeking a forfeit in their favour. Jamshedpur FC’s decision to bring on Stevanovic with a player down due to a red card would constitute a violation if the league committee upholds the protest.

The decision now rests with the ISL committee. They will need to determine if Jamshedpur FC indeed breached the rule and, if so, whether the violation warrants a 3-0 forfeit in favour of Mumbai City FC.

This turn of events injects significant drama into the ISL standings. A 3-0 win for Mumbai City FC would see them leapfrog Odisha FC to the top of the table. Jamshedpur FC, on the other hand, are currently battling for a playoff spot, and a forfeit could have a major impact on their season.

The coming days will be crucial as the ISL committee deliberates on the protest. The final verdict will not only affect the outcome of this specific match but could also significantly alter the landscape of the entire ISL season.

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