ALL INDIA FOOTBALL FEDERATION (AIFF) has decided against including Churchill Brothers in the upcoming 2025-26 season of the Indian Super League (ISL).
The decision was taken at a virtual AIFF Executive Committee meeting on 12 February, which was attended by nearly a full quorum. It is understood that members unanimously agreed preparations for the new season were already underway and that no additional team could be accommodated at this stage, according to Sportstar.
The development follows a request from three committee members to convene a meeting to discuss Churchill’s inclusion. The meeting, initially scheduled for 9 February, could not take place due to a lack of quorum but was eventually held on Thursday.
Meanwhile, 13 of the 14 ISL clubs, all except Mohammedan Sporting, had written to the AIFF urging it not to consider the proposal. They argued that Churchill’s entry without promotion would undermine the league’s credibility.
Churchill Brothers had provisionally finished top of the I-League standings after the final matchday last season. However, second-placed Inter Kashi, which had four points deducted by the AIFF Appeals Committee, a sanction that would otherwise have handed them the title, challenged the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and won the case. As a result, Inter Kashi were declared I-League champions and secured promotion to the ISL instead of Churchill.
Defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant will face Kerala Blasters on the opening matchday on 14 February, while newly promoted Inter Kashi take on FC Goa.
