The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has officially crowned Inter Kashi FC as champions of the I-League 2024-25, confirming their well-deserved promotion to the Indian Super League (ISL). This monumental achievement marks a turning point in Indian football, following one of the most dramatic title races in recent memory.
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A Championship Decided by International Arbitration
The path to glory for Inter Kashi was anything but straightforward. What began as a competitive league season evolved into a complex legal battle that required intervention from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), football’s highest judicial body. The Switzerland-based tribunal issued two separate rulings that ultimately reshaped the I-League standings and crowned Inter Kashi as rightful champions.
AIFF deputy secretary general Satyanarayan M formally communicated the decision to Kashi president Prithijit Das, stating: “Following a thorough deliberation and in compliance with the final and binding award issued by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the AIFF is pleased to officially declare Inter Kashi FC as the champions of the I-League 2024-25.”
The Controversial Cases That Changed Everything
The championship was decided through two separate CAS appeals that overturned decisions made by the AIFF appeals committee. These cases became pivotal in determining the final league standings.
Key Cases Overview
| Case | Original Decision | CAS Ruling | Impact on Inter Kashi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Namdhari FC Ineligible Player | Points awarded to Namdhari | Reversed in favor of Kashi | Points restored |
| Mario Barco Re-registration | Inter Kashi penalized for fielding ineligible player | Registration deemed valid | Points restored |
The first case involved Namdhari FC fielding an ineligible player. While the disciplinary committee initially awarded three points to Inter Kashi, the appeals committee overturned this decision. CAS later reinstated the original ruling, restoring crucial points to the club.
The second case proved equally critical. Three clubs—Churchill Brothers, Namdhari FC, and RKFC—had protested against Inter Kashi’s re-registration of foreign player Mario Barco, claiming he was ineligible.
The AIFF appeals committee initially sided with the protesters, resulting in forfeited points for Kashi. However, CAS ruled on July 18 that Barco’s re-registration was legitimate, restoring those vital points.
A Thriller on the Final Day
The dramatic conclusion to the season came on the final matchday when Kashi faced Rajasthan United. Seemingly out of contention for the title, the team delivered one of the most memorable comebacks in I-League history, scoring twice during four minutes of stoppage time to secure a 3-1 victory.
Final I-League 2024-25 Standings
| Position | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Inter Kashi | 42 |
| 2nd | Churchill Brothers | 40 |
| 3rd | RKFC | 37 |
Meanwhile, Churchill Brothers drew their final match against RKFC—a result that would have secured them the championship had they won. The two-point margin between Inter Kashi and Churchill Brothers in the final standings reflects just how tight this title race truly was.
Official Confirmation and ISL Promotion
The All India Football Federation emphasized its obligation to respect CAS decisions as a FIFA member organization. “This decision is based on the AIFF’s obligations as a member of FIFA to respect and implement the decisions of CAS, which are integral to the regulatory framework of international football,” the federation stated.
Regarding promotion, Satyanarayan confirmed: “The AIFF is pleased to confirm that, as champions of the I-League 2024-25, Inter Kashi FC is hereby promoted to the Indian Super League for the upcoming season on sporting merit, subject to Inter Kashi fulfilling the League’s financial and technical mandates.”
This promotion represents sporting merit in its purest form—earning advancement through on-field performance and navigating the complex regulatory landscape of professional football.
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FAQs
Why did Inter Kashi initially lose points during the I-League season?
Inter Kashi had points deducted following protests from Churchill Brothers, Namdhari FC, and RKFC regarding the eligibility of their foreign player Mario Barco. The AIFF appeals committee ruled against Inter Kashi, but CAS later overturned this decision, determining that Barco’s re-registration was legitimate.
What is the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)?
CAS is an independent international tribunal based in Switzerland that resolves sports-related disputes. As a FIFA member, the AIFF is obligated to respect and implement CAS decisions, which are final and binding in international football matters.
What requirements must Inter Kashi meet for ISL promotion?
Inter Kashi must fulfill the ISL’s financial and technical mandates, which include meeting operational standards, infrastructure requirements, and financial stability criteria designed to ensure competitive balance in the league.
Who finished second in the I-League 2024-25?
Churchill Brothers finished second with 40 points, just two points behind Inter Kashi. They were initially declared champions before the CAS rulings changed the final standings.
What made Inter Kashi’s final match so dramatic?
On the concluding day of the season, Inter Kashi scored twice in four stoppage-time minutes to defeat Rajasthan United 3-1. This remarkable comeback, combined with Churchill Brothers drawing their match when a win would have made them champions, created one of the most thrilling finishes in I-League history.
