I-League: Inter Kashi Crowned Champions After CAS Overturns AIFF Appeal Committee Decision

In a dramatic conclusion to the 2024–25 I-League season, Inter Kashi have been officially declared champions after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland ruled in their favour, overturning an earlier decision by the AIFF Appeal Committee. This verdict sees Inter Kashi's final points tally climb to 42, placing them above Churchill Brothers on goal difference and securing them direct promotion to the 온라인카지노 Super League (ISL).

The season was marred by controversy stemming from a yellow card saga. Inter Kashi's 2-1 loss to Namdhari FC on January 13 became the focal point of the dispute when Kashi alleged that Namdhari had fielded Brazilian midfielder Cledson Carvalho da Silva, who should have been suspended due to an accumulation of three yellow cards.

Initially, the AIFF Disciplinary Committee sided with Inter Kashi, awarding them three points. However, confusion arose when Namdhari claimed the player wasn't listed as suspended on the official AIFF portal. This led to a pause in the ruling on March 27, escalating the issue into a season-defining dispute.

The AIFF Appeal Committee then stepped in, reversing the initial decision and reinstating the original match result. This ruling provisionally handed the title to Churchill Brothers, who finished with 40 points, while Inter Kashi dropped to second with 39.

Unwilling to accept the Appeal Committee's verdict, Inter Kashi escalated the matter to the CAS. They won their first appeal, leading to the restoration of the three points from the Namdhari match, which pushed Kashi's total to 42, ahead of Churchill Brothers.

Despite this favourable ruling, the AIFF had not formally declared Inter Kashi as champions. Consequently, the club returned to CAS with a second appeal, seeking official confirmation of their title win. On July 18, CAS issued a clear directive: "The AIFF shall forthwith declare Inter Kashi FC as the winner of the I-League 2024-25 season."

With this final ruling, Churchill Brothers now officially drop to second place with 40 points, while Real Kashmir and Gokulam Kerala round off the top four, both ending with 37 points. This marks a truly historic achievement for Inter Kashi, who have secured the I-League title in only their second season in the competition, having finished fourth in their maiden 2023-24 campaign.

The CAS also directed the AIFF to amend the points table and ordered the AIFF to pay 55% of the arbitration costs (approximately 3,000 Swiss francs), with Churchill Brothers, Namdhari FC, and Real Kashmir each contributing 15%.

By logical precedent, Inter Kashi now earns promotion to the 온라인카지노 Super League. However, the future of the ISL itself remains somewhat uncertain. Discussions regarding league integration and promotion are ongoing between the AIFF and various stakeholders, and the Master Rights Agreement, which expires on December 8, is up for renewal. This means that while Inter Kashi has secured their hard-fought triumph, the "battlefield beyond remains foggy," leaving a slight muted feeling to their historic achievement as they await clarity on their ISL future.