Shillong, Sept 12: A controversy has erupted in the Shillong Premier League (SPL) 2026 after Shillong Lajong FC reportedly fielded three non-Meghalayan players in its playing eleven against Sawmer SCC at the SSA Stadium here on Saturday, potentially putting the outcome of the match under scrutiny.
The issue centres on the Shillong Sports Association’s (SSA) established restriction allowing only two non-Meghalayan players in a team’s playing eleven. Although Lajong won the match 6-1, the result is now subject to the outcome of a formal complaint lodged by Sawmer.
As per the fixtures and rules document for SPL 2026, the two-player cap on non-Meghalayan players is not explicitly mentioned. Sources said this was the basis on which Shillong Lajong proceeded to field three non-Meghalayan players against Sawmer.
Sources also informed Meghalaya Sports that Sawmer has filed a complaint with the Tournament Committee over Lajong’s fielding of three non-Meghalayan players. The committee is currently holding an emergent meeting to discuss the matter.
Speaking to Meghalaya Sports, Freddy Kharpran, Football Secretary of the Shillong Sports Association, acknowledged the issue. He clarified that although this year’s SPL rules and regulations do not explicitly mention the limit of two non-Meghalayan players, the restriction has been a norm since last year and forms part of the SSA’s rules governing the competition.
Kharpran further explained that the opposing team has to lodge a formal protest for the matter to be considered. Sawmer had two hours from the completion of the match to file its protest, and the club has reportedly done so.
The matter will now be decided by the Tournament Committee. If the committee upholds Sawmer’s complaint, the match could be awarded to Sawmer despite the 6-1 scoreline on the field.
All eyes are now on the Tournament Committee’s decision.
