Haitian players Angelo Exilus and Jeudy Johnson can continue their journey with the Wray and Nephew Jamaica Premier League’s runaway leaders, Mount Pleasant, after a favourable ruling from the Jamaica Football Federation’s Competitions Committee. The decision ensures that the players can remain part of the Mount Pleasant squad as the club prepares for the upcoming semi-finals of the league.

The ruling comes after a dispute raised by defending champions Cavalier, who alleged that the two players had been improperly transferred. However, the Competitions Committee clarified that any breach in the transfer process was committed by the players’ former club, Real Hope FC, and not by Mount Pleasant. This conclusion clears the way for both Exilus and Johnson to continue contributing to Mount Pleasant’s record-breaking campaign.

In its official response to Cavalier’s allegations, the Competitions Committee referred to Article 6.1 of the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, which provides exceptions to the standard player transfer windows. Specifically, the article allows for a transfer if a player’s contract has expired or been terminated near the end of the transfer window. The Committee confirmed that it had all the necessary documentation, including the termination letters and International Transfer Certificates (ITCs), which showed that the players had been properly transferred to Mount Pleasant.

The ruling also addressed a separate claim related to the number of foreign players listed on the match card during a recent game. The regulations limit the number of foreign players allowed on the field at one time to six. While seven foreign players were listed on the team sheet, only five participated in the game. As a result, Mount Pleasant avoided any penalties related to ineligible players but was fined $25,000 for listing more foreign players than allowed on the match card.

With the matter now settled, Mount Pleasant remains at the top of the Jamaica Premier League, having finished the preliminary round with a league-record 93 points and 93 goals. The St. Ann-based club will now face the winner of the playoff tie between Cavalier and Portmore United in the two-legged semi-finals on May 15 and 18.