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Key Points

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) overturned AIFF's decision, declaring Inter Kashi as I-League champions. The ruling followed a dispute over player eligibility involving Marco Barco. Churchill Brothers, initially leading after AIFF's adjustment, finished second. This marks a historic legal victory for Inter Kashi in Indian football.

Key Points: Inter Kashi Crowned I-League Champions After CAS Overturns AIFF Ruling

  • CAS reverses AIFF ruling on Inter Kashi's foreign player dispute
  • Churchill Brothers lose top spot after points adjustment
  • Inter Kashi finishes with 42 points ahead of Churchill's 40
  • CAS also overturned Namdhari FC's earlier sanction
2 min read

AIFF congratulates Inter Kashi on being crowned I-League 2024-25 champions

CAS declares Inter Kashi 2024-25 I-League winners after overturning AIFF's decision on player eligibility dispute with Churchill Brothers.

"The All India Football Federation congratulates Inter Kashi FC on being adjudged champions of I-League 2024-25 – AIFF"

New Delhi, July 18

The All India Football Federation have congratulated Inter Kashi on being adjudged the I-League Champions following the decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

CAS has partially upheld an appeal by Inter Kashi Football Club (Inter Kashi FC) against Churchill Brothers FC Goa, Namdhari FC, Real Kashmir FC, and AIFF. CAS has ruled that the AIFF shall declare Inter Kashi FC as winners of the I-League 2024-25.

After an unsuccessful first procedure initiated by several I-League clubs before the AIFF Disciplinary Committee, the AIFF Appeal Committee decided on May 31 2025 that the registration of a foreign player (Marco Barco) by Inter Kashi FC was not valid and stated that all matches played by him should be forfeited by the club. This resulted in the adjustment of the I-League points table with Churchill Brothers FC Goa at the top.

“The All India Football Federation congratulates Inter Kashi FC on being adjudged champions of I-League 2024-25, in reference to the judgment passed by the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) on Friday, July 18, 2025,” read the statement by the AIFF.

Inter Kashi FC filed an appeal on June 23 and sought to set aside the AIFF Appeal Committee decision. After a CAS hearing held on July 15, the CAS Panel ruled that the decision issued on by the AIFF is set aside and that the AIFF shall adjust the points table of the I-League 2024-25 season.

In line with the CAS ruling, Inter Kashi finished the season on 42 points, Churchill Brothers FC Goa on 40, Real Kashmir FC on 37, and Namdhari FC on 29. Consequently, Inter Kashi FC have been declared the winners of I-League 2024-25.

CAS had already overturned a decision of the AIFF Appeal Committee on 17 June 2025, lifting a sanction imposed on Namdhari FC for the fielding of an ineligible player. CAS upheld the appeal by Inter Kashi FC and confirmed the initial decision of the AIFF Disciplinary Committee to declare the match Namdhari FC vs Inter Kashi FC, of 13 January 2025, forfeited, by Namdhari FC (0-3).

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone new to Indian football, this whole controversy makes me question the league's administration. How can such basic registration errors happen at professional level? Hope AIFF learns from this and improves their systems.
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Ananya R
Heartbreak for Churchill Brothers after coming so close! But rules are rules. Inter Kashi deserved this - their attacking football was a joy to watch this season. Hope this controversy doesn't overshadow their achievement. 🏆
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Vikram M
This shows why we need independent bodies like CAS in football. AIFF's flip-flopping decisions were embarrassing. Now focus should be on developing infrastructure and youth academies rather than these administrative messes.
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Kavya N
As a football mom, I'm just happy to see my son excited about Indian clubs! These controversies happen in all leagues - what matters is we're talking about Indian football. Congrats Inter Kashi! 👏
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Nikhil C
The real winner here is Indian football's credibility - CAS ruling shows we're following international standards. But AIFF, please sort your house! Can't have such confusion every season.

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