In a dramatic turn of events, Inter Kashi have officially been crowned champions of the 2024-25 I-League following a ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The CAS delivered a verdict in favour of the club on Friday, resolving a long-standing dispute regarding the registration of Spanish forward Mario Barco.
The controversy originated when Inter Kashi registered Barco at the start of the season. However, following an injury that sidelined him in December, the club brought in Matija Babovic as a replacement. Later in the campaign, Barco was brought back into the squad, replacing Juan Perez del Pino, whose contract had been mutually terminated.
While the I-League regulations (Clause 6.5.7) permit up to three foreign player replacements per season, either due to serious injury or mutual agreement, the re-registration of a previously de-registered player created confusion. The AIFF’s Competitions Committee initially deemed this move a violation, putting Kashi’s league title in jeopardy.
CAS’s verdict, however, clears the air, asserting that Inter Kashi’s actions fell within permissible regulatory limits. This development earns the club a crucial three points, propelling them to the top of the league table with 42 points — level with Churchill Brothers but ahead on goal difference. Churchill, who had been provisionally leading, drop to second.
This marks Inter Kashi’s second successful legal challenge at CAS this season. Earlier, they were awarded full points after a protest against Namdhari FC for fielding an ineligible player, Cledson Da Silva.
While the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has yet to issue an official statement on the latest ruling, CAS’s decision effectively settles the championship race, ensuring a landmark triumph for the newly formed Inter Kashi.
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