Mumbai City FC files complaint against Jamshedpur FC? Know why

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Mumbai City FC drew against Jamshedpur FC by a 1-1 margin and moved to the top of the ISL 2023-24 table. However, it seems, the stalemate didn't go without drama. As per renowned journalist Marcus Mergulhao, the Islanders have filed a complaint against JFC.

Their complaint will be regarding Jamshedpur FC playing six Indian players 86th minute onwards in the game. JFC lost Daniel Chima Chukwu when the Nigerian striker received a second yellow, turning it into a red card in the 82nd minute into the game.

Four minutes later, Jamshedpur FC made a change when they took off Imran Khan and subbed in Alen Stevanovic in his place. Thus, JFC followed the foreigners rule where they had a maximum of four foreign players on the ground at that time.

However, it broke another Indian Super League rule which the authority started in the 2021-22 season. The rule says every club will need to have at least seven Indian players at all times on the field during a game which in JFC’s case was reduced down to six.

From the 86th minute of the game, the JFC lineup included four foreign players - Javier Siverio, Elson José Dias Jr, Alen Stevanovic, and Jeremy Manzorro. The Indian players present were - Provat Lakra, Pratik Chaudhari, Nikhil Barla, Jitendra Singh, Rehenesh TP, and Muhammad Uvais.

There has been no official statement from the Islanders’ side yet. Additionally, it's hard to say what course Indian Super League will take regarding the matter. The convergence of two ISL rules make it a grey area. However, it's understandable that fielding right number of Indian players takes preference.

This will still need a new solution which will set precedence for next such events. Jamshedpur FC might lose points if a decision goes against them for fielding six Indian players. In that case, they might fall out of the top six spots.