The participation of Churchill Brothers in the upcoming 2025 Super Cup remains in serious doubt, as the Goan club finds itself entangled in a controversial I-League title dispute that has clouded the end of the 2024-25 season.
Despite finishing at the top of the league standings, Churchill Brothers have yet to be officially crowned champions. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has designated the club only as “provisional champions,” pending a decision on a points dispute that could dramatically alter the final table.
Churchill Brothers’ club owner, Churchill Alemao, expressed frustration over the delay and cast doubt over the team’s Super Cup involvement. “I am not sure now [whether Churchill Brothers] will play in the Super Cup, but we have still not gotten justice because my team has still not received our I-League trophy,” Alemao told *Sportstar* on Sunday.
At the heart of the controversy lies a match between second-placed Inter Kashi and Namdhari, played on January 13. Inter Kashi was initially awarded three points after Namdhari fielded Cledson Carvalho da Silva, who was under suspension due to accumulated yellow cards. The AIFF’s Disciplinary Committee upheld the claim, but the Appeals Committee stayed the decision on March 27, leaving the league’s outcome hanging in the balance.
Should the Appeals Committee eventually rule in Inter Kashi’s favor and restore the three points, it would leapfrog Churchill Brothers to the top, effectively snatching the title away. The final decision is scheduled to be announced on April 28.
That timeline presents a logistical and sporting dilemma for the Super Cup, where Churchill Brothers are slated to face Indian Super League champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant in their opening fixture on April 20. With their status unresolved, their participation remains up in the air.
“We finished top of the table, and still no decision has been made. Football should not be played in corruption. The whole world is laughing today. If proper justice is not given today, how will Indian football go up? First, I want my league trophy. Then, I will think of another trophy,” Alemao added passionately.
The unfolding saga has not only thrown Churchill Brothers’ Super Cup campaign into uncertainty but also cast a shadow over the integrity of the league. With just days before the knockout tournament begins, all eyes are on the AIFF to bring clarity to an already turbulent conclusion to the season.
