AIFF Releases Statement After CAS Declares Inter Kashi I-League Champions

Last Updated:July 18, 2025, 19:52 IST

The AIFF congratulated Inter Kashi on being declared I-League 2024-25 champions after a CAS ruling.

Inter Kashi (X)

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) congratulated Inter Kashi on being declared I-League Champions following a ruling 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. The court has mandated that AIFF declare Inter Kashi FC as the winners of the I-League 2024-25.

Initially, several I-League clubs appealed to the AIFF Disciplinary Committee, which led to an AIFF Appeal Committee decision on May 31, 2025. The committee ruled that the registration of a foreign player, Marco Barco, by Inter Kashi FC was invalid, requiring the club to forfeit all matches he played. This decision placed Churchill Brothers FC Goa at the top of the points table.

The AIFF issued a statement, saying, “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."

Inter Kashi FC appealed on June 23 to overturn the AIFF Appeal Committee’s decision. After a CAS hearing on July 15, the CAS Panel ruled to set aside the AIFF’s decision and required the points table of the I-League 2024-25 season to be adjusted.

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

“The AIFF shall forthwith declare Inter Kashi FC as winner of the I-league 2024-25 season," the Lausanne-based CAS said 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," said the CAS award handed by sole arbitrator Frans de Weger of the Netherlands.

Why AIFF Will Pay?

The AIFF will need to cover 55 per cent of the arbitration costs, totalling 3,000 Swiss francs (approximately Rs 3,22,275), payable to Inter Kashi. Meanwhile, the other parties involved in the case—Churchill, Namdhari FC, and Real Kashmir—each have to contribute 15 per cent, which amounts to 1,000 Swiss francs or approximately Rs 1,07,413.

“The costs of the arbitration, to be served to the Parties by the CAS Court Office separately, shall be borne for 55% by the AIFF, 15% by Churchill Brothers FC Goa, 15% by Namdhari FC and 15% by Real Kashmir FC.

“The AIFF shall pay an amount of CHF 3,000 (three thousand Swiss francs) and Churchill Brothers FC Goa, Namdhari FC and Real Kashmir FC shall each pay an amount of CHF 1,000 (one thousand Swiss francs) to Inter Kashi FC as legal contribution towards its legal costs and other expenses incurred during these arbitral proceedings."

Previously, on June 17, 2025, CAS had overturned an AIFF Appeal Committee decision, lifting a sanction on Namdhari FC for fielding an ineligible player. CAS upheld Inter Kashi FC’s appeal and confirmed the AIFF Disciplinary Committee’s initial decision to forfeit the match between Namdhari FC and Inter Kashi FC on January 13, 2025, resulting in a 0-3 loss for Namdhari FC.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Ritayan Basu

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha...Read More

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha...

Read More

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