How Did Inter Kashi Become the I-League 2024-25 Champions?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Inter Kashi FC has been officially declared the champions of the I-League 2024-25.
- The ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) overturned previous standings.
- The decision highlights the importance of fair play in sports.
- Inter Kashi finished the season with 42 points.
- This ruling sets a precedent for future appeals in Indian football.
New Delhi, July 18 (NationPress) The All India Football Federation has extended its heartfelt congratulations to Inter Kashi after being recognized as the champions of the I-League, following a ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The CAS has partially upheld an appeal submitted by Inter Kashi Football Club (Inter Kashi FC) against Churchill Brothers FC Goa, Namdhari FC, Real Kashmir FC, and the AIFF. The ruling mandates that the AIFF officially declare Inter Kashi FC as the winners of the I-League 2024-25 season.
Previously, an appeal process initiated by several I-League clubs at the AIFF Disciplinary Committee did not yield the desired outcome. On May 31, 2025, the AIFF Appeal Committee concluded that the registration of foreign player Marco Barco by Inter Kashi FC was invalid, resulting in the forfeiture of all matches he participated in. This led to a reconfiguration of the I-League standings, placing Churchill Brothers FC Goa at the top.
“The All India Football Federation celebrates the achievement of Inter Kashi FC as the champions of the I-League 2024-25, in light of the ruling issued by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Friday, July 18, 2025,” stated the AIFF.
Inter Kashi FC's appeal, filed on June 23, contested the AIFF Appeal Committee's decision. Following a hearing on July 15, the CAS Panel determined that the AIFF's earlier decision was to be set aside and that the I-League's points table for the 2024-25 season would be recalibrated.
Following the CAS's ruling, Inter Kashi concluded the season with 42 points, while Churchill Brothers FC Goa finished with 40, Real Kashmir FC with 37, and Namdhari FC with 29. Consequently, Inter Kashi FC has been declared the rightful winners of the I-League 2024-25.
Earlier, on June 17, 2025, the CAS had also reversed a decision made by the AIFF Appeal Committee, lifting a sanction against Namdhari FC for fielding an ineligible player. The CAS upheld Inter Kashi FC's appeal and confirmed the AIFF Disciplinary Committee's initial ruling to forfeit the match between Namdhari FC and Inter Kashi FC, played on January 13, 2025, resulting in a score of 3-0 in favor of Inter Kashi FC.