Shillong, Sept 14: What happened on the pitch didn’t count. Shillong Lajong hammered Sawmer 6-1 on Saturday, but 24 hours later they lost the game off it.
In a stunning reversal, the Shillong Sports Association has forfeited Lajong’s big win and awarded Sawmer a 3-0 victory after Lajong were found guilty of fielding an extra outsider.
The drama unfolded after Sawmer lodged a formal protest alleging Lajong used three non-Meghalaya domiciled players, one more than allowed.
The SSA Tournament Committee met today, heard both clubs and checked all documents before delivering a unanimous verdict that Lajong violated Rule 9 of the SPL 2026 guidelines which states only two players from outside Meghalaya are allowed in the playing eleven.
According to the SSA order issued by Assistant General Secretary Samran Syiem, the Reds started the match with goalkeeper Lakpa Lama and later introduced Lalmuansanga and Abelson Jachi as substitutes, taking the count of non-domicile players to three.
SSA officials said it looks like a genuine oversight by the Lajong bench who forgot to count their keeper while making the changes, but the rulebook leaves no room for error.
As punishment the 6-1 result stands cancelled. Lajong forfeit the match and Sawmer walk away with three points and a 3-0 scoreline. The SSA has also issued a stern reminder to all affiliated clubs to strictly follow the SPL guidelines.
The decision has completely shaken up the SPL 2026 title race. Lajong remain top for now with 11 points from six games but their lead is hanging by a thread. Mawlai with 10 points from just four matches are now in pole position to overtake them.
Sawmer are the biggest gainers leaping from seventh to fourth with 9 points now level with defending champions Langsning.
The drama is far from over. Up next is a mouth-watering showdown on Wednesday at 5 PM between Mawlai and Langsning, a match that could very well decide who lifts the SPL trophy this season
