After nearly a week of deliberation, Major League Soccer delivered a ruling on FC Dallas’ ineligible player violation that garnered nationwide attention.

The league fined FC Dallas 75,000 of General Allocation Money and $25,000 for using an ineligible player during its match against Orlando City Sept. 30 that resulted in a 0-0 draw.

The decision is controversial because FIFA’s disciplinary code calls for a forfeit if a team fields an ineligible player.

“FIFA delegates management of roster rules and sanctions for violations to the respective leagues throughout the world, read a statement released by the league. “There is no international rule for changes to a match day roster.”

Orlando City declined to comment at this time.

The league contacted various federations and clubs around the world, walking them through the facts of the case to seek precedent, and found other examples of fines being issued in similar cases.

A distinction was made between levels of “ineligibility.” For example, a player ruled ineligible for registration or disciplinary reasons was considered a more egregious violation, punishable by forfeiture, whereas a player rightfully on the team but ineligible due to an administrative error was considered for a lesser sanction.

Dallas’ official starting XI submitted 60 minutes before the match included midfielder Michael Barrios. Fifteen minutes prior to kickoff, FC Dallas asked officials to replace Barrios with Tesho Akindele and move Barrios to the bench due to a minor foot injury. Officials wrongfully allowed the change and Orlando City was notified prior to kickoff.

Barrios later entered the match, subbing on for Maximiliano Urruti in the 84th minute.

The substitution violated MLS rules, which states a player can be removed from the official match roster for illness or injury and replaced by a named substitute, but the removed player is ineligible to compete in the match.

“The referee crew’s administrative error and decision to place Michael Barrios on the official match roster was carefully considered while making the decision to sanction FC Dallas for this rule violation,” MLS deputy commissioner Mark Abbott said in the statement. “However, all of our clubs are aware of game day roster rules and FC Dallas should have removed Barrios from the official match roster.”

That rule is stated in MLS’ competition guidelines, a document not made available to the public. There was significant uproar and confusion among fans, media and MLS clubs while the league took its time reviewing the case.

A forfeit would have had significant playoff implications, giving three points to Orlando City and putting them at 41 points in seventh place in the Eastern Conference. That would be two points behind the New York Red Bulls, who hold the sixth and final playoff position.

FC Dallas is hovering the playoff cutline in the West, sitting in eighth place but tied in points with No. 6 Real Salt Lake and No. 7 San Jose.

The impact a forfeit would have on other teams in the league was taken into consideration as well.

General Allocation Money is used to sign players or buy down salaries to free up cap space. Having it part of the fine impacts Dallas from a competitive standpoint next season.

Real Salt Lake coach Mike Petke gave a firm statement about the violation to the Salt Lake Tribune earlier this week, saying “

“All I have to hear or see is read the rules from FIFA and read the rules from the MLS bylaws, and both, unless I read them wrong — and I could’ve — from what I’ve read both state that is a forfeiture,” Petke said. “He was put on the starting lineup, pulled out and then put in the 80th minute.

“For me, it’s the easiest decision in the world…there’s some things in life that are clear-cut and just simple, but I’ve been in this league long enough so who knows.”

The Lions currently are in 10th place tied in points with No. 7-9. Orlando City has two matches left in the 2017 regular season against the Columbus Crew Oct. 15 and Oct. 22 at Philadelphia, with up to six points available.

The Red Bulls have three matches and nine possible points for grabs. The team is set to play the Western Conference leading Vancouver Whitecaps at 5 p.m. Saturday, Atlanta United on Oct. 15 and at D.C. United on Oct. 22.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

ardelgallo@orlandosentinel.com