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CAS Declares Inter Kashi FC Champions in I-League 2024-2025

CAS Declares Inter Kashi FC Champions in I-League 2024-2025, delivering a decisive reversal of the AIFF Disciplinary Committee’s ruling. The CAS found merit in Inter Kashi FC’s appeal, reinstating all deducted points after procedural irregularities were established. With 42 points, Inter Kashi FC officially tops the I-League table, ahead of Churchill Brothers. This landmark decision by CAS sets a vital precedent for due process and regulatory accountability in Indian football governance.

CAS Ruling Overturns AIFF Decision, Restores Inter Kashi FC to Top of the Table

CAS Declares Inter Kashi FC Champions: In a landmark decision for Indian football, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has ruled in favour of Inter Kashi FC, officially declaring the club as the rightful champions of the I-League 2024/2025 season. The CAS declares Inter Kashi FC champions marks a significant development following a protracted legal dispute involving the All-India Football Federation (AIFF), Churchill Brothers FC Goa, Namdhari FC, and Real Kashmir FC.

Background: Disqualification and Appeal

The controversy erupted when the AIFF Appeal Committee, in its order dated 31.05.2025, invalidated the registration of Inter Kashi FC’s foreign player, Marco Barco. As a consequence, all matches in which Barco had participated were deemed forfeited, which significantly altered the league standings. This ruling effectively stripped Inter Kashi FC of its top position, placing Churchill Brothers FC Goa at the summit of the points table.

Inter Kashi FC responded swiftly by filing an appeal before CAS on 23.06.2025. The appeal contested the AIFF Appeal Committee’s decision on multiple grounds, primarily arguing that the player registration process had been carried out in accordance with league rules and procedural lapses had not occurred at the club’s end.

CAS Proceedings and Final Verdict

A hearing was conducted by CAS on 15.07.2025, where all parties presented detailed submissions, documentary evidence, and oral arguments. After careful deliberation, CAS issued its final award on 18.07.2025, setting aside the AIFF Appeal Committee’s ruling. The Panel directed AIFF to revise the official points table to reflect the accurate standings for the I-League 2024/2025 season.

Updated Standings After CAS Ruling:

1. Inter Kashi FC – 42 points
2. Churchill Brothers FC Goa – 40 points
3. Real Kashmir FC – 37 points
4. Namdhari FC – 29 points

Accordingly, the CAS declares Inter Kashi FC champions restores the club’s position at the top and confirms their status as I-League winners for the 2024/2025 season.

Additional Legal Findings

The CAS Panel also referenced its earlier ruling dated 17.06.2025, which had overturned another AIFF decision penalising Namdhari FC for alleged player ineligibility. In that case, the AIFF Disciplinary Committee’s initial ruling in favour of Inter Kashi FC for their match played on 13.01.2025 was upheld, reinforcing the legal basis behind consistent interpretation of eligibility criteria.

Official Media Release: CAS Declares Inter Kashi FC Champions

Implications for Indian Football

The CAS declares Inter Kashi FC champions has far-reaching implications for the governance and regulation of football in India. Firstly, it reinforces the importance of procedural fairness, especially in disputes involving player registration and eligibility. Secondly, it highlights the value of having recourse to an independent arbitration mechanism like CAS in resolving complex legal issues in sport.

For Inter Kashi FC, the ruling not only affirms their on-field achievements but also potentially opens up qualification pathways to continental competitions, subject to confirmation by AIFF and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). It also boosts the club’s reputation, both domestically and internationally, as a resilient and professionally managed team.

Also Read: CAS decision on UEFA Multi-Club Ownership Rules

Next Steps and Publication

A full copy of the arbitral award will be published on the official CAS jurisprudence website unless confidentiality is requested by any of the parties. This press summary is based on publicly available information released by CAS. The CAS declares Inter Kashi FC champions is expected to serve as a reference case in future disputes, especially in relation to regulatory compliance and fair competition in Indian football.

Conclusion

The CAS declares Inter Kashi FC champions is not merely a sporting milestone but a crucial moment for Indian football’s legal and administrative evolution. It sends a strong message to clubs and federations alike about the value of adhering to transparent procedures, and the importance of providing fair redressal mechanisms in competitive sport.