An already under-fire All India Football Federation (AIFF) was left further red-faced on Friday when the Switzerland-based Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rejected the AIFF Appeal Committee’s decision to award the I-League champions trophy to Churchill Brothers, and instead declared Inter-Kashi as the second-division champions. The decision will end a months-long saga that overshadowed a nail-biting season.
The AIFF had initially named Goa-based Churchill Brothers as champions after their Appeal Committee ruled against Inter Kashi regarding an ‘ineligible player’ issue. This decision had resulted in point deductions, placing the Varanasi-based outfit in second spot.
Inter Kashi challenged this decision, leading to CAS directing AIFF to reverse their ruling.
“The AIFF shall forthwith declare Inter Kashi FC as the winner of the I-League 2024-25 season,” stated the Lausanne-based CAS in its order.
“The appeal filed on 4 June 2025 by Inter Kashi FC against the decision issued on 31 May 2025 by the Appeal Committee of the All-India Football Federation is partially upheld.”
“The decision issued on 31 May 2025 by the Appeal Committee of the All India Football Federation is set aside,” the CAS added.
Shortly after the CAS ruling, the Varanasi-based club celebrated in their social media by posting, “Truth will always emerge victorious.”
The AIFF also congratulated the club in a statement issued after the CAS verdict.
“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,” the AIFF statement read.