Swiss Federal Supreme Court rejects Churchill Brothers’ appeal against CAS verdict on I-League title

Goan club’s final legal option ends as Swiss top court upholds Inter Kashi’s status as 2024–25 I-League champions.

The Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland has dismissed Churchill Brothers’ last-ditch appeal against the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling that had declared Inter Kashi as the official I-League 2024–25 champions.

The order, issued a few days ago, brings final closure to a prolonged legal saga involving multiple I-League clubs and the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

This means Inter Kashi’s title win, confirmed by CAS on 18 July, will stand, with Churchill Brothers, Real Kashmir, and Namdhari FC finishing second, third, and fourth, respectively.

Also Read: Churchill Brothers issue official statement after CAS final verdict on I-League title

What were Churchill Brothers fighting for?

Churchill Brothers were handed the trophy already which they were told to hand back over to AIFF (Via Churchill Brothers/IG)

Churchill Brothers, who were initially handed the title by the AIFF Appeals Committee after Inter Kashi were docked points, had challenged the CAS verdict in Switzerland. The club had hoped to overturn the CAS ruling and retain their place at the top of the I-League table.

In their appeal, Churchill Brothers argued that they were unfairly stripped of the I-League title and that the CAS decision had profound implications for their future, particularly with discussions about the ISL becoming a closed league. They claimed that being denied the title also meant losing a pathway to ISL promotion and the associated sporting, media, and financial benefits.

Churchill’s lawyers had requested the Swiss top court to issue super-provisional and provisional measures, including a suspension of the CAS ruling and, alternatively, permission for Churchill Brothers to participate in the upcoming ISL 2025–26 season.

Swiss Federal Supreme Court’s final decision

The Swiss Federal Supreme Court rejected all of Churchill Brothers’s arguments. It concluded that both Inter Kashi and Churchill Brothers were in similar positions, each seeking entry into the ISL. Thus, no clear interest imbalance existed to grant Churchill special relief.

In its ruling, the court noted:

“It is not possible to conclude, on the basis of the explanations provided by the appellant, that the latter’s interests clearly outweigh those of Inter Kashi FC, given that both clubs are at risk of not being able to play in the Indian first division.”

Further, the court stated that it lacked jurisdiction to issue any directive that could impact ISL participation or AIFF’s operational structure. As such, Churchill’s plea to allow both them and Inter Kashi to be included in ISL 2025–26 was outside the remit of the Swiss judiciary.

“The Federal Court cannot grant provisional measures when these exceed its jurisdiction… since it may only, except in cases not applicable here, set aside an award when it is seized of an appeal in arbitration matters.”

Legal closure and what’s next?

With the Swiss court upholding the CAS’ ruling, the matter is now closed at all levels. AIFF, after the CAS decision, only updated the final I-League standings, confirming Inter Kashi as champions with 42 points, followed by Churchill Brothers with 40 points.

This decision also reaffirms CAS’s directive asking AIFF and the involved clubs to comply with the original arbitration order, which included financial penalties and legal reimbursements.

AIFF was directed to bear 55% of the arbitration costs, while each of the three protesting clubs, Churchill, Real Kashmir, and Namdhari, were instructed to pay 15% each. Additionally, Inter Kashi were awarded legal compensation from all four parties.

Final word from the Swiss court

“The application for super-provisional and provisional suspensive effect and for the pronouncement of super-provisional and provisional measures is dismissed.”

This verdict leaves Churchill Brothers with no further legal recourse and cements Inter Kashi’s historic first league title.

What was Churchill Brothers’ appeal about? Churchill Brothers appealed to the Swiss Federal Supreme Court to overturn a CAS ruling that awarded Inter Kashi the 2024–25 I-League title. They claimed the CAS decision unfairly stripped them of promotion opportunities. Why did the Swiss court reject the appeal? The court found no overwhelming reason to grant Churchill special relief, stating both clubs were in similar positions. It also cited jurisdictional limits regarding ISL participation. What does this mean for Inter Kashi? The decision cements Inter Kashi’s status as the 2024–25 I-League champions, marking the club’s first league title. Can Churchill Brothers take any further legal action? No. With the Swiss Federal Supreme Court rejecting their appeal, Churchill Brothers have exhausted all legal options. What did the CAS order include apart from the title decision? CAS directed AIFF to bear 55% of arbitration costs, while Churchill Brothers, Real Kashmir, and Namdhari FC each bear 15%. Inter Kashi also received legal compensation.

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