Churchill Brothers have been confirmed as I-League champions after the AIFF Appeals Committee upheld protests from the Goan club, Namdhari FC, and Real Kashmir against Inter Kashi for having fielding an ineligible foreign player, Mario Barco, for multiple games in the second leg of the 2024-25 season.
“The rules do not provide for re-registration for anyone who has been ousted from the season due to a season ending injury/illness,” Times of India quotes appeals committee chairperson Rajesh Tandon as having ruled in the order issued on Saturday.
As a result, all matches in which Inter Kashi fielded Barco have been deemed as forfeited, with points awarded to their opponents. This decision boosts Churchill Brothers’ points tally to 42, placing them out of reach at the top of the table and effectively crowning them I-League champions for the season.
Churchill Brothers welcomed the verdict, stating: “With 42 points, Churchill Brothers are the undisputed champions. The I-League trophy will stay in Goa.”
Expectedly, Inter Kashi has announced plans to approach CAS in Lausanne for a second time in what has been a muddled (and muddied) I-League season aftermath.
The Varanasi-based club will be arguing that the rules were misinterpreted while highlighting that a majority of the League Committee had initially approved Barco’s return.
In its order, accessed by TOI, the appeals committee has ruled that there is no power of review available with the League Committee in I-League regulations. “A power not available in a statute cannot be exercised by a body which itself is a creature of the statute,” the order noted.
“The unlawful inclusion of a foreign player provided Inter Kashi with an unfair advantage over other clubs adhering to the prescribed regulations,” stated the order. “Such a violation directly undermines the principles of fair play and the integrity of the I-League. Furthermore, not penalising such a violation would encourage resource-wealthy clubs to buy and rotate more foreign players in their squads. This would directly undermine the principles of equity and equal opportunities which has made the I-League one of the most renowned football leagues of this country till now.”
While the final decision rests with CAS, Churchill Brothers now stand confirmed as I-League 2024-25 champions.
