The long-running saga of the 2024-25 I-League title has finally reached a dramatic conclusion. On July 18, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland delivered a landmark verdict, officially crowning Inter Kashi as the I-League champions for the season.
This ruling overturned the previous decision by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Appeal Committee and reshaped the final standings, bringing clarity to one of Indian football’s most contentious title battles.
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Inter Kashi Crowned 2024-25 I-League Winners After CAS Verdict
Inter Kashi finished the season atop the I-League points table with 42 points, narrowly edging Churchill Brothers by two points. The CAS ruling was pivotal in restoring Inter Kashi’s rightful claim to the championship, after a complicated dispute involving player registration rules had clouded the competition.
In its decision, CAS partially upheld Inter Kashi’s appeal filed on June 4 against the AIFF Appeal Committee’s May 31 ruling. The court declared that the earlier decision was to be set aside, instructing the AIFF to immediately revise the points table and officially recognize Inter Kashi as champions. “The Court of Arbitration for Sport rules that the appeal filed by Inter Kashi FC is partially upheld. The decision issued by the AIFF Appeal Committee is set aside,” the verdict read.
AIFF and Clubs Face Penalties Following CAS Arbitration
In addition to reinstating Inter Kashi as winners, CAS imposed financial penalties related to the arbitration costs. The AIFF has been ordered to bear 55% of the total arbitration expenses. The remaining 45% will be equally divided among the three clubs involved in the dispute: Churchill Brothers, Real Kashmir, and Namdhari FC.
| Party | Percentage of Arbitration Costs | Amount to Pay (CHF) | Additional Legal Contribution to Inter Kashi (CHF) |
|---|---|---|---|
| All India Football Federation (AIFF) | 55% | – | 3,000 |
| Churchill Brothers FC Goa | 15% | – | 1,000 |
| Namdhari FC | 15% | – | 1,000 |
| Real Kashmir FC | 15% | – | 1,000 |
The financial contribution to Inter Kashi is meant to cover legal expenses incurred during the arbitration.
What Sparked the CAS Dispute?
The heart of the dispute lay in Inter Kashi’s mid-season re-registration of Spanish striker Mario Barco. Inter Kashi signed Barco as a replacement for an injured foreign player, but the AIFF Competitions Committee initially rejected this move, citing violation of Clause 6.5.7 of the I-League regulations. This clause permits foreign player replacements only under strict conditions such as injury or contract termination within a designated registration window.
Barco’s situation was complicated since he was previously replaced due to injury, making his return a technical breach according to the AIFF’s initial interpretation. However, the AIFF League Committee later approved the re-registration, causing uproar among rival clubs.
Protests from Churchill Brothers, Namdhari FC, and Real Kashmir led to the AIFF Appeals Committee reversing the approval, penalizing Inter Kashi with a four-point deduction, and provisionally awarding the title to Churchill Brothers. Unwilling to accept this, Inter Kashi appealed to CAS, which finally sided with them.
Final 2024-25 I-League Standings Post-CAS
With CAS’s directive, the AIFF updated the official standings as follows:
| Position | Club | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Inter Kashi | 42 |
| 2 | Churchill Brothers | 40 |
| 3 | Real Kashmir | 37 |
| 4 | Namdhari FC | 29 |
Inter Kashi now proudly hold the official champion title for the 2024-25 I-League season.
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FAQs
Why was Inter Kashi’s title initially revoked?
Due to the mid-season re-registration of Mario Barco, which was deemed a violation by the AIFF Appeals Committee, leading to a points deduction.
What role did CAS play in this case?
CAS reviewed the appeal by Inter Kashi and overturned the AIFF Appeals Committee’s ruling, reinstating Inter Kashi as champions.
How much did AIFF and clubs have to pay?
AIFF pays 55% of arbitration costs plus CHF 3,000 to Inter Kashi; Churchill Brothers, Real Kashmir, and Namdhari FC each pay 15% and CHF 1,000 to Inter Kashi.
What rule did the AIFF cite to reject Barco’s registration initially?
Clause 6.5.7 of the I-League regulations, restricting foreign player replacements to specific conditions within a registration window.
