CAS Stays AIFF’s Declaration of I-League Champion Amid Inter Kashi Appeal

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has issued interim relief in the 2024–25 I-League title dispute, directing the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to refrain from declaring Churchill Brothers as champions or conducting any medal ceremony pending resolution of arbitration proceedings initiated by Inter Kashi.

Inter Kashi’s appeal challenges Churchill Brothers’ title win, citing an incident involving Namdhari FC’s alleged fielding of an ineligible player in a match against Inter Kashi—an outcome they claim distorted the final league standings. Churchill Brothers finished with 40 points, narrowly ahead of Inter Kashi’s 39.

While the AIFF Appeals Committee upheld Churchill Brothers’ position on April 18, 2025, Inter Kashi escalated the matter to CAS. In response, CAS has stayed the AIFF’s decision and instructed Churchill Brothers, Namdhari FC, and the AIFF to submit their responses by April 29, 2025.