CAS declare Inter Kashi I-League winner; AIFF & three clubs to pay fine

Inter Kashi finish at the top of the I-League table with 42 points.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has finally put an end to the I-League 2024-25 title saga by declaring Inter Kashi as the official champions.

The Swiss-based court announced its verdict on July 18, upholding Inter Kashi’s appeal against the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Appeal Committee’s decision from May 31.

“The Court of Arbitration for Sport rules that: The appeal filed on 4 June 2025 by Inter Kashi FC against the decision issued on 31 May 2025 by the Appeal Committee of the All-India Football Federation is partially upheld. The decision issued on 31 May 2025 by the Appeal Committee of the All-India Football Federation is set aside,” the order read.

CAS set aside the previous ruling and instructed the AIFF to immediately adjust the points table, placing Inter Kashi at the top with 42 points—two clear of Churchill Brothers.

The AIFF has now been directed to officially crown Kashi as the I-League 2024-25 winners.

AIFF and three clubs awarded penalties

Along with overturning the previous decision, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has imposed financial penalties in the high-profile I-League case. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has been directed to bear 55% of the total arbitration costs. Meanwhile, the remaining 45% of the expenses will be shared between three I-League clubs involved in the case — Churchill Brothers, Real Kashmir, and Namdhari FC.

“The costs of the arbitration, to be served to the Parties by the CAS Court Office separately, shall be borne for 55% by the All-India Football Federation, 15% by Churchill Brothers FC Goa, 15% by Namdhari FC and 15% by Real Kashmir FC. The All-India Football Federation shall pay an amount of CHF 3,000 (three thousand Swiss francs) and Churchill Brothers FC Goa, Namdhari FC and Real Kashmir FC shall each pay an amount of CHF 1,000 (one thousand Swiss francs) to Inter Kashi FC as legal contribution towards its legal costs and other expenses incurred during these arbitral proceedings, ” the order added.

What was the CAS ruling about?

The case in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) revolved around Inter Kashi’s controversial mid-season re-registration of Spanish striker Mario Barco in the I-League 2024-25 season.

Inter Kashi had brought Barco back into the squad as a replacement for another foreign player, but the AIFF Competitions Committee rejected this move, citing a violation of Clause 6.5.7 of the I-League regulations.

This rule only permits foreign player replacements under conditions like injury, illness, or contract termination within a stipulated window. Since Barco was previously replaced due to injury, his return was deemed invalid.

However, the AIFF League Committee later approved Barco’s re-registration, sparking protests from rival clubs Churchill Brothers, Namdhari FC, and Real Kashmir.

The AIFF Appeals Committee then reversed the League Committee’s decision, imposed a four-point penalty on Inter Kashi, and awarded Churchill Brothers the provisional title. Unwilling to accept this outcome, Inter Kashi escalated the matter to CAS.

How does the final I-League 2024-25 table look like?

Following the CAS directive, the AIFF has been asked to update the final I-League 2024-25 points table.

Inter Kashi now officially top the standings with 42 points, overtaking Churchill Brothers, who drop to second with 40 points after their provisional title was revoked.

Real Kashmir remain third with 37 points, while Namdhari FC sit with just 29 points.

Who is the winner of the I-League 2024-25 season? Inter Kashi has officially been declared the winner of the I-League 2024-25 season Why did Inter Kashi FC file an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)? Inter Kashi FC appealed against the AIFF Appeal Committee’s decision issued on 31 May 2025, disputing the points table outcome of the I-League 2024–25 season. The CAS partially upheld the appeal, setting aside the original decision. What financial penalties or costs were imposed by CAS? AIFF was ordered to pay CHF 3,000 to Inter Kashi FC, while Churchill Brothers, Real Kashmir, and Namdhari FC must each pay CHF 1,000. Additionally, the cost of arbitration was split among the parties — 55% by AIFF and 15% each by the three clubs. Will there be any further legal proceedings after this CAS decision? No. The CAS dismissed all other motions or prayers for relief, making this decision final and binding.

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