I-League Title in Limbo as Churchill Brothers, Inter Kashi Await Appeals Committee Verdict

In a bizarre and unprecedented conclusion to the 2024-25 I-League season, both Churchill Brothers and Inter Kashi celebrated what each believed to be a title-winning finish—sparking confusion, controversy, and uncertainty over who will ultimately be crowned champion.

As the final whistle blew on April 6 at Srinagar’s TRC Polo Ground, Churchill Brothers appeared to have secured their third I-League title, finishing atop the table with 40 points following a 1-1 draw with Real Kashmir. Meanwhile, Inter Kashi wrapped up their campaign with a 3-1 win over Rajasthan FC, ending with 39 points.

Despite the standings, Inter Kashi celebrated as if they were champions. At the heart of the dispute is a pending decision from the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) Appeals Committee regarding a controversial match against Namdhari FC in January.

Originally, Inter Kashi had lost that match 2-0. However, they were later awarded three points after the AIFF Disciplinary Committee ruled that Namdhari fielded an ineligible player. That decision was stayed by the Appeals Committee, with a final verdict scheduled for April 28. Should the Appeals Committee uphold the forfeiture, Inter Kashi would leapfrog Churchill with 42 points and claim their maiden I-League crown.

The AIFF acknowledged the unusual situation, stating, “While the draw against Real Kashmir keeps Churchill Brothers at the top of the table, they must await the result of the AIFF Appeals Committee’s hearing.”

Churchill Brothers’ owner, Churchill Alemao, expressed frustration at the ambiguity, saying, “If we became the champion, why were we not given the trophy then? The whole of India knows Churchill Brothers is the champion. Now they [Inter Kashi] are saying there is confusion.”

He also questioned the scheduling and handling of the decision: “If there is a confusion, why have they not settled it? Now that we have become champion, you’re trying to fool us?”

Inter Kashi, on the other hand, remain optimistic. “We are very confident with our legal recourse,” said Aryaman Shukla, Inter Kashi’s Director and Co-Founder. “There was a reason why those points were initially awarded to us.”

Adding to the drama, Alemao claimed he received a congratulatory call from AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey after Churchill’s draw, only for the celebrations to be overshadowed by the pending appeal.

As Churchill hosts a celebratory party in Goa, all eyes now turn to April 28, when the Appeals Committee’s decision could either confirm their triumph or hand Inter Kashi an extraordinary title twist.