The long-running legal tussle over the I-League 2024–25 title has officially come to an end, with the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland dismissing Churchill Brothers’ final appeal against the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The verdict, issued a few days ago, cements Inter Kashi’s status as league champions and closes the door on any further legal challenge.
Inter Kashi had already been declared winners by CAS on July 18, overturning an earlier decision by the AIFF Appeals Committee that had handed the trophy to Churchill Brothers after docking points from the Varanasi-based side. The CAS ruling restored Inter Kashi to the top of the table with 42 points, followed by Churchill Brothers on 40, Real Kashmir on 39, and Namdhari FC in fourth place.
Churchill Brothers had fought hard to retain the crown they were briefly awarded. The club argued they were unfairly stripped of the title and highlighted the broader consequences of losing the championship, including a possible lost pathway into the Indian Super League (ISL). In their filing before the Swiss court, Churchill requested urgent measures to suspend CAS’s verdict and even sought provisional permission to participate in the ISL 2025–26 season.
However, the Federal Supreme Court firmly rejected those pleas. In its ruling, the court noted:
“It is not possible to conclude, on the basis of the explanations provided by the appellant, that the latter’s interests clearly outweigh those of Inter Kashi FC, given that both clubs are at risk of not being able to play in the Indian first division.”
The judges further emphasized that the Swiss court had no jurisdiction to interfere in matters related to ISL entry or AIFF’s internal operations.
“The Federal Court cannot grant provisional measures when these exceed its jurisdiction… since it may only, except in cases not applicable here, set aside an award when it is seized of an appeal in arbitration matters.”
For Churchill Brothers, the verdict brings a painful conclusion to their pursuit. Not only must the Goan side hand back the trophy they were initially awarded, but they are also bound by the financial directives issued by CAS. Under the arbitration order, AIFF must cover 55% of costs, while Churchill, Real Kashmir, and Namdhari FC share 15% each. Inter Kashi, meanwhile, will receive compensation from all four parties for legal expenses.
The Swiss court’s final words were unequivocal:
“The application for super-provisional and provisional suspensive effect and for the pronouncement of super-provisional and provisional measures is dismissed.”
With no further legal avenues available, Inter Kashi’s triumph stands as their historic first league title, while Churchill Brothers and others must now turn their focus back to the pitch rather than the courtroom.
