Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 18: In a dramatic turn of events, Inter Kashi were officially crowned I-League 2024–25 champions on Friday after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland overruled a controversial decision by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) that had earlier handed the title to Churchill Brothers.

The dispute stemmed from allegations that Inter Kashi had fielded an ineligible player during the season. As a result, the AIFF’s Appeal Committee had penalised the Varanasi-based club by deducting points, ultimately awarding the championship to Churchill Brothers of Goa.

However, Inter Kashi challenged the ruling before the Lausanne-based CAS, which found merit in the club’s appeal and directed the AIFF to reverse its earlier decision. “The AIFF shall forthwith declare Inter Kashi FC as winner of the I-League 2024-25 season,” CAS stated in its verdict.

CAS confirmed that the appeal filed by Inter Kashi on June 4, 2025, against the AIFF Appeal Committee’s May 31 decision was “partially upheld,” and that the previous ruling had been “set aside.”

This decision marks a historic win for Inter Kashi, who initially finished second in the standings before the points deduction. The club now celebrates its first I-League title, following a legal battle that drew national attention.