Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: In a dramatic turn of events, Inter Kashi FC has been officially declared the winner of the I-League 2024-25 season following a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The decision comes after the club filed an appeal on June 4, 2025, challenging the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Appeal Committee’s decision issued on May 31, 2025.
According to the CAS ruling, the AIFF’s prior decision has been set aside, and the points table for the season has been revised. The updated standings place Inter Kashi FC at the top with 42 points, narrowly edging out Churchill Brothers FC (40 points), followed by Real Kashmir FC (37 points), and Namdhari FC (29 points).
As part of the ruling, CAS instructed the AIFF to immediately adjust the league table and formally recognize Inter Kashi FC as the I-League 2024-25 champions.
In addition to the title dispute, the CAS ruling also addressed the costs of arbitration. The AIFF is responsible for 55% of the arbitration expenses, while Churchill Brothers FC Goa, Namdhari FC, and Real Kashmir FC are each liable for 15%.
Furthermore, the AIFF must pay CHF 3,000 to Inter Kashi FC, while the other three clubs are each ordered to pay CHF 1,000 towards Inter Kashi FC’s legal expenses.
With all other motions and prayers dismissed, the ruling marks a significant legal and sporting victory for Inter Kashi FC, bringing clarity and closure to a contentious season.
The I-League 2024-25 season ended in dramatic fashion with a tightly contested race for the title between Inter Kashi FC and Churchill Brothers FC Goa. Both clubs were neck and neck on points, and the final matchdays were marred by controversy over player eligibility, officiating decisions, and post-match protests.
The controversy erupted after Inter Kashi FC’s narrow 1-0 victory over Churchill Brothers in April 2025. Churchill Brothers lodged an official complaint with the AIFF, alleging that Inter Kashi had fielded an ineligible player. Acting on that complaint, the AIFF Appeal Committee reviewed the matter and, on May 31, 2025, ruled in favor of Churchill Brothers – deducting points from Inter Kashi and awarding a win to Churchill. The revised standings placed Churchill Brothers on top of the table and provisionally declared them champions.
Inter Kashi FC strongly contested the ruling, claiming that the player in question had been properly registered and cleared for participation.
