Shillong, Sept 14: The Shillong Sports Association’s (SSA) Tournament Committee has ruled in favour of Sawmer SC over the use of three non-Meghalaya domiciled players by Shillong Lajong FC in their Shillong Premier League (SPL) 2026 clash on September 12, overturning Lajong’s 6-1 win on the field.
Sawmer lodged a protest after the match, alleging that Lajong had fielded three non-domicile or non-Meghalaya players in the playing eleven. The SSA Tournament Committee convened a special meeting on Monday to decide the matter, with representatives of both teams given an opportunity to present their cases.
After hearing both sides and examining the relevant documents and guidelines, the committee unanimously accepted the protest and found it valid.
The committee ruled that Lajong had violated Rule No. 9 of SSA’s 2025 Guidelines for SPL Clubs, which states that “Only two players from outside Meghalaya are allowed in the playing eleven.”
As a consequence, the committee decided to impose a penalty on Lajong and ordered that the September 12 match be treated as forfeited, with the scoreline recorded as 0-3 in favour of Sawmer SC.
The SSA has also directed all affiliated clubs across its football divisions to strictly adhere to the guidelines, rules and regulations issued by the association.
The ruling significantly alters the SPL standings and could have major implications for the title race. Lajong remain on 11 points from six matches, while Sawmer move up to nine points. Mawlai, meanwhile, have 10 points from just four games and are now in a strong position to reclaim top spot.
Sawmer’s elevation takes them from seventh to fourth place, level on points with defending champions Langsning, although Langsning hold the head-to-head advantage.
The title race could take another significant turn on Wednesday when Mawlai face Langsning at 5pm in another potentially crucial SPL fixture.
