Shillong, April 15: Almost a week after the conclusion of the 2024–25 I-League season, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has yet to officially declare the league champion, leaving the fate of the title and the coveted promotion to the Indian Super League (ISL) hanging in the balance.

At the center of the ongoing drama is a contentious protest lodged by Inter Kashi FC over a match result earlier in the season, which could overturn the current standings and deny Churchill Brothers FC Goa a long-awaited return to the top flight.

Churchill Brothers completed the season with 40 points, topping the table after a solid campaign marked by consistency and late-season grit. Inter Kashi, finishing just one point behind with 39, appeared destined to settle for second. But just days after the season ended, Inter Kashi revived a protest against Namdhari FC over a match played on January 13, alleging that the opposition had fielded an ineligible player.

If the AIFF accepts the appeal and awards Inter Kashi a forfeit victory, the additional two points would take their total to 42—leapfrogging Churchill Brothers and handing them both the title and promotion.

Promotion to the ISL is a big achievement for every club; it comes with substantial financial and structural rewards. From television revenue shares and corporate sponsorships to access to elite infrastructure and heightened player market value, a move to the ISL can redefine a club’s future.

For Churchill Brothers, a club with a rich history and former I-League titles under its belt, the promotion would be a return to Indian football’s elite. For Inter Kashi, a relatively new outfit, it would mark an unprecedented rise and a statement of ambition.

The AIFF has not yet issued a public statement regarding the matter, only confirming that the Appeals Committee will convene on April 28 to deliberate on Inter Kashi’s protest. Until then, the league table remains provisional, and no official winner will be crowned.

This delay has led to widespread criticism of the federation’s handling of the situation. Players, coaches and fans have taken to social media demanding clarity.

In a dramatic turn of events, Churchill Brothers announced their withdrawal from the upcoming Super Cup, citing “a lack of transparency and fairness” from the governing body. In a statement, the club said it was being “denied our rightful place and trophy, against the rules, spirit and integrity of football.”

At the core of this saga is the controversial match between Inter Kashi and Namdhari SC, which ended 2–2. Inter Kashi later discovered that Namdhari had allegedly fielded an ineligible player. The initial protest was dismissed, but Inter Kashi refiled their appeal late in the season—just days before the final round.

Some critics have questioned the timing, suggesting that the move was tactical. But Inter Kashi insists the delay was due to bureaucratic hurdles and that their appeal is legitimate and backed by the rulebook.

The decision now rests with AIFF’s appeals committee. If the match is awarded as a 3–0 walkover to Inter Kashi—as per standard FIFA regulations on ineligible players—they would secure the I-League title of 2024-25 season and a ISL promotion for next season.

Fans of both clubs have flooded social media with posts of support, anger, and confusion. Churchill Brothers supporters in Goa held a peaceful protest outside the club’s administrative office on Sunday, demanding the AIFF finalize the standings.

Meanwhile, Inter Kashi’s online followers continue to push for justice, arguing that fair play demands a ruling in their favour.

Until then, the I-League trophy remains in a box and all eyes now turn to April 28.

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