In a ruling that has sent shockwaves through Indian football, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on July 18, 2025, declared Inter Kashi FC as the rightful champions of the I-League 2024–25 season.
The decision comes after months of legal wrangling, contested points tables, and questions over player eligibility that had clouded one of India’s most competitive football seasons in recent memory.
The CAS judgment has now overturned the AIFF Appeal Committee’s decision of 31 May 2025, which had previously penalised Inter Kashi for allegedly fielding an ineligible player, Spanish forward Mario Barco.
That AIFF ruling had seen Inter Kashi lose points, allowing Churchill Brothers FC Goa to leapfrog to the top of the table. With the CAS ruling, Inter Kashi’s deducted points have been reinstated, restoring them to 42 points, ahead of Churchill Brothers (40), Real Kashmir (37), and Namdhari FC (29).
A Legal Battle That Redefined the Title Race
The controversy traces back to January 2025, when the registration of Mario Barco was first questioned. The AIFF Disciplinary Committee initially found in favour of Inter Kashi, but following appeals from rival clubs notably Churchill Brothers, Namdhari FC, and Real Kashmir FC the AIFF Appeal Committee reversed this decision in late May, ruling that Barco’s registration was invalid. This effectively handed the I-League title to Churchill Brothers.
Unwilling to accept the ruling, Inter Kashi filed an appeal with CAS on 23 June 2025. After a hearing on 15 July, the CAS panel ruled on 18 July that the AIFF’s May decision should be set aside. The panel ordered AIFF to adjust the points table, officially recognising Inter Kashi as the 2024–25 I-League champions.
In its detailed ruling, CAS also apportioned arbitration costs: AIFF must pay 55%, while Churchill Brothers, Namdhari, and Real Kashmir each cover 15%. Additionally, AIFF must pay Inter Kashi’s legal costs of ₹3.22 lakh, while the other three clubs each pay ₹1.07 lakh.
Implications Beyond Just the Trophy
The CAS verdict doesn’t just crown Inter Kashi; it carries significant consequences for the Indian football ecosystem.
Most importantly, as I-League champions, Inter Kashi are now set to earn promotion to the Indian Super League (ISL) a landmark achievement for a club founded only in 2023. The decision also affects the ongoing relegation battle: SC Bengaluru’s protest against Namdhari FC for fielding an ineligible player (Cledson De) is now likely to succeed, which could see SC Bengaluru avoid relegation.
The CAS ruling also indirectly impacts Rajasthan United’s pending case against Inter Kashi over the same Mario Barco issue. With CAS ruling in Kashi’s favour, that appeal is now likely to be rejected.
A Season of Triumph and Turmoil
While Inter Kashi ultimately lift the trophy, the season’s legacy will be mixed. On the pitch, Kashi impressed with attacking football, accumulating 42 points, powered by consistent performances from their Indian core and Spanish imports. Yet off the pitch, administrative chaos dominated headlines, overshadowing sporting achievements.
For head coach Carlos Santamarina and club owner Dadu, the title is vindication. For Dadu, it’s especially remarkable: he wins league titles in consecutive years, adding to his fast-growing reputation in Indian football.
But the case has also exposed deep governance challenges. The AIFF Appeal Committee’s reversal of its own Disciplinary Committee’s ruling, followed by CAS overturning AIFF’s final verdict, points to systemic gaps in decision-making and transparency. The process took months, leaving clubs, players, and fans in limbo until the very end.
A Broader Governance Crisis
This episode underscores why many feel Indian football needs more robust systems for dispute resolution and player registration. In recent years, multiple clubs from Minerva Punjab to Mohun Bagan have been involved in legal disputes with AIFF, often citing inconsistencies or delays.
The Inter Kashi case shows how unclear regulations and procedural lapses can escalate, affecting not just title races but promotion, relegation, and financial planning. While CAS’s intervention provided finality, it’s hardly ideal for any national league to have its champion decided in a Swiss courtroom rather than on the pitch.
The AIFF now faces the urgent task of reviewing and strengthening its regulatory framework, especially around player registration, appeals, and communication with clubs.
Mixed Reactions Across the Football Community
The ruling has divided opinion. Many congratulated Inter Kashi, acknowledging their on-field consistency and resilience during legal uncertainty. Fans hailed the club’s rise from newcomers to champions within two years.
However, some voices raised concerns about fairness towards Churchill Brothers, Real Kashmir, and Namdhari clubs that had played the entire season believing they were competing under valid points tables.
There’s also frustration about AIFF’s handling of the issue. As one fan bluntly put it: “Massive embarrassment but seriously, does anyone care? The system sucks.”
Looking Ahead: A New Era for Inter Kashi
With the title secured, Inter Kashi now look forward to their likely debut in the ISL next season an extraordinary rise for a club barely two years old. For their players and staff, it’s a testament to what consistency and ambition can achieve.
The CAS ruling, though controversial, ultimately aligns the final league table with performances on the pitch. But the bigger question remains: will Indian football learn from this episode and build systems that ensure future seasons are decided on goals scored, not legal paperwork?
For now, congratulations to Inter Kashi FC 2024–25 I-League champions, crowned not just by goals and points, but after a fight that went all the way to Lausanne.
🏆⚖️ #IndianFootball #ILeague #InterKashi
