A dramatic new development has emerged in the ongoing dispute between defending champions, Cavalier FC, and runaway leaders of the Jamaica Premier League, Mount Pleasant. The matter, which began as a formal protest lodged by Cavalier on Tuesday, has now drawn the attention of the regional governing body, Concacaf.

IRIE FM Sports understands Concacaf has requested that all relevant documentation concerning the issue be forwarded to them for further review. This marks a significant escalation in the dispute, as the regional body typically weighs in on matters involving player eligibility, transfer issues, and competition integrity across the region.

While the Jamaica Football Federation’s (JFF) Competitions Committee continues to deliberate on the protest, another crucial meeting is scheduled for today. The committee’s decision could have a profound impact on both the final standings of the league and Mount Pleasant’s status as a title contender.

At the heart of the protest is Mount Pleasant’s signing of Haitian players Angelo Exilus and Jeudy Johnson during the January transfer window. Both players were acquired by the club just before the window closed on January 31. The protest stems from the fact that Exilus and Johnson both played in the opening round of the Concacaf Champions Cup on February 4 and 11 against Mexican side Cruz Azul.

Despite these international appearances, the players were also fielded by Mount Pleasant in the Jamaica Premier League between April 10 and 27, where they faced teams including Racing United, Chapelton Maroons, Arnett Garden, Montego Bay United, Cavalier, and Molynes United. Cavalier’s protest raises questions about the eligibility of the players and whether their participation in the Champions Cup affected their eligibility for domestic competition.

Mount Pleasant is scheduled to play relegation threatened Humble Lion in its final preliminary round match at the Effortville Community Centre on Sunday.

With the second automatic semi-final qualifier yet to be determined, as well as the final team to make the playoffs and the second team to face relegation still in the balance, the protest could have significant ramifications on the championship race.