Shillong Lajong seek merit-based ISL playoff as Mohammedan Sporting push for stay
Shillong Lajong urges for a playoff clash to determine ISL participation.
Indian Football League (IFL) side Shillong Lajong FC have written a letter to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) requesting the preservation of sporting merit and competitive integrity in the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the promotion and relegation in the Indian Super League (ISL).
The Meghalaya-based club expressed concerns over recent reports about the uncertainty surrounding Diamond Harbour FC’s participation in the forthcoming season.
The Diamond Harbour FC side are currently being investigated by the West Bengal government for the source of funds and illegal practices. This situation brings the club’s participation in the ISL into question.
Amidst the situation, Mohammedan Sporting Club have lodged a formal request to the AIFF, urging them to participate in the coming ISL season, overturning the relegation decision. The Black and White Brigade have been relegated from the top tier following their bottom-place finish in the 2025-26 season.
Shillong Lajong urges clarity
Shillong Lajong FC emphasized that the principles of promotion and relegation could be done based on a fair football ecosystem.
“As a stakeholder deeply invested in the growth of Indian football, Shillong Lajong FC strongly believes that the hard-earned spirit and principle of promotion and relegation must be fiercely protected,” the club wrote to the AIFF.
The IFL side urged the federation to ensure that any vacancy in the Indian Super League should be filled only through sporting merit.
Highlighting this context, the club noted:
“Bypassing sporting merit to retain relegated clubs undermines the competitive fabric of the league pyramid.”
The IFL side wants a playoff clash
Shillong Lajong proposed an alternative solution for the AIFF to find an on-field solution.
The club proposed a home-and-away playoff between the contending teams to determine which team will feature in the upcoming 2026-27 campaign.
“To resolve this matter in the fairest manner possible, we suggest that the AIFF organise a double-legged play-off match between the contending teams. This will ensure that the spot is earned strictly through sporting merit while upholding absolute sporting integrity,” the club proposed.
Shillong Lajong’s intervention reflects concerns from several clubs regarding the league’s promotion and relegation rules. They have reiterated their faith in the AIFF leadership while also urging the federation to decide to resolve this issue.
Where did Shillong Lajong finish in IFL 2025-26?
Shillong Lajong finished second in IFL 2025-26.
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Shibashis is a sports journalist with over three years of experience covering Indian football. His work spans reporting, writing, and editing, with a strong focus on telling stories from across the Indian football landscape. Passionate about both Indian and European football, he continues to build his career by combining sharp reporting with a deep love for the game.