In a dramatic twist to the I-League 2024–25 season, Inter Kashi have announced their intention to approach the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) following the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Appeals Committee’s decision to crown Churchill Brothers as league champions.
The controversy stems from a disputed match between Inter Kashi and Namdhari FC played on January 13, in which Namdhari secured a 2–0 victory. However, it was later discovered that Namdhari had fielded an ineligible player — Cledson Carvalho da Silva — who was under suspension due to card accumulation. Based on this violation, the AIFF’s Disciplinary Committee had initially awarded three points to Inter Kashi, which would have taken their final points tally to 42, two ahead of Churchill Brothers, who finished the season with 40 points.
However, the decision was subsequently stayed by the AIFF Appeals Committee on March 27, after Namdhari appealed. On April 19, 2025, the Appeals Committee upheld their interim order in favour of Namdhari FC, effectively reinstating the original result and confirming Churchill Brothers as the champions.
In response, Inter Kashi issued a strongly worded official statement, confirming their decision to challenge the verdict at the CAS. “The conclusion of the hearing, and with it, the exhaustion of all internal dispute resolution processes, enables Inter Kashi to approach the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for a truly free and fair hearing of the matter,” the club stated.
Inter Kashi reiterated that the dispute revolves around a straightforward application of rules based on undisputed facts. “From the very beginning, Inter Kashi has been clear that the case involves a simple interpretation of rules and regulations. We will leave no stone unturned to secure justice, and any celebration in the interim may ultimately prove to be premature,” the club added.
Meanwhile, the situation has created a legal tangle involving multiple clubs. Earlier this week, four clubs — Namdhari, Churchill Brothers, Real Kashmir and Delhi FC — moved the Delhi High Court, accusing the AIFF of selectively handling cases to favour Inter Kashi. The matter is scheduled to be heard on April 23.
As the league’s outcome continues to be mired in legal proceedings, the final confirmation of the I-League title may ultimately rest with international arbitration, underscoring the growing need for transparency and timely resolution in Indian football governance.