NewKerala.com

Key Points

Churchill Brothers have been controversially awarded the I-League 2024-25 championship despite a pending Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) order. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) proceeded with the championship ceremony, claiming they were unaware of the CAS directive due to a holiday. Inter Kashi, who finished just one point behind, have indicated they will appeal the decision through CAS. The legal dispute highlights the complex administrative challenges in Indian football governance.

Key Points: Churchill Brothers Crowned I-League Champs Despite CAS Dispute

  • Churchill Brothers win I-League title despite CAS arbitration order
  • AIFF claims late notice of legal challenge
  • Inter Kashi finished one point behind provisional champions
  • Ceremony held despite pending court dispute
2 min read

Churchill Brothers awarded I-League title against CAS orders, AIFF claims late notice

Controversial I-League title awarded to Churchill Brothers amid legal challenge from Inter Kashi and ongoing AIFF arbitration

"The Federation was only informed of the order at a time when the ceremony had already been concluded - AIFF Statement"

Panaji, April 27

Churchill Brothers' I-League 2024-25 presentation ceremony was concluded in Goa on Sunday even after the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) ordered the All India Football Federation (AIFF) not to declare the winner of the I-League or organise a medal ceremony until the present arbitration is concluded.

According to a statement by the AIFF, the federation learnt of CAS' decision only after the ceremony due to it being a holiday in the AIFF Secretariat.

During the event, the champions’ trophy and winners’ medals were formally presented to Churchill Brothers FC Goa, as per Appeals Committee order and representation made by AIFF to Delhi High Court on April 23.

"The All India Football Federation (AIFF) would like to clarify that, with regard to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) order, due to a holiday in the AIFF Secretariat, the Federation was only informed of the order at a time when the ceremony had already been concluded in Goa," the AIFF said in a statement on Sunday.

The Churchill Brothers were crowned champions of I-League 2024-25 after being labelled the provisional winners, following the conclusion of the campaign, by the Appeals Committee of the All-India Football Federation (AIFF) on April 19. Inter Kashi later said that they would be appealing to CAS.

Inter Kashi had finished on 39 points from their 22 matches, one behind provisional table toppers Churchill Brothers FC Goa, who drew Real Kashmir 1-1 in their last match of the season and were banking on receiving three points for clinching the title.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This is such a messy situation! How does a major sports federation not check their emails on a holiday when such an important decision is pending? 🤔 The players and fans deserve better transparency.
P
Priya M.
As a Churchill Brothers fan, I'm happy for the team but this whole situation leaves a bad taste. The ceremony should've been postponed until everything was properly resolved. Sports should be about fair play!
S
Sanjay T.
AIFF needs better systems in place. "We didn't check our emails" isn't an acceptable excuse at this level of professional sports administration. Hope this leads to some positive changes in how they operate.
A
Ananya R.
Feel bad for Inter Kashi - they fought hard all season and now have to deal with this uncertainty. The 1-point difference makes this especially tough. Hope CAS resolves this quickly and fairly!
V
Vikram J.
The timing of everything is so unfortunate. Churchill Brothers deserve credit for their season, but this controversy is overshadowing their achievement. Indian football can't afford these kinds of controversies if we want to grow the sport.
N
Neha P.
Regardless of the outcome, this shows how important it is to have proper digital communication channels that work 24/7 for sports bodies. One day's delay shouldn't cause this much confusion in 2024! 📱

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50