I-League: Inter Kashi win appeal in CAS, await verdict in second case

After the latest ruling from CAS, Inter Kashi moved to second place with 38 points, below Churchill Brothers, who have 42 points

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PANAJI: The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has overturned the decision of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) appeals committee which had deducted three points from Inter Kashi for their clash against Namdhari FC in the I-League.In an arbitral award delivered by the Switzerland-based CAS, Frans de Weger, president of the three-member panel, said “the decision issued on April 18, 2025, by the appeals committee of the AIFF is set aside and the terms of the decision issued on February 24, 2025, by the AIFF disciplinary committee in the matter IL 2024-25/102 is confirmed.”According to the order, Namdhari have been adjudged to have fielded an ineligible player (Cledson da Silva), who had not served a one-match suspension, in accordance with Article 12.3.2 of the I-League regulations for accumulation of four cautions. The match, which Namdhari had won at home, results in a forfeiture (0-3 loss), improving Inter Kashi’s chances of becoming champions, ahead of Churchill Brothers FC.The AIFF said in a statement on Tuesday it will “follow the CAS orders and implement its decision.”After CAS’s latest ruling, Inter Kashi moved to second place with 38 points, below Churchill, who have 42 points. The I-League title now hinges on the verdict in the second case pending before CAS, an independent arbitration body that resolves sports disputes from across the world.If Inter Kashi wins their second appeal, four more points can be added to their tally, while Churchill can lose two.The second case pertains to the registration of Mario Barco where Inter Kashi were docked four points.The appeals committee had heard an appeal from Churchill, Namdhari and Real Kashmir, and ruled that the re-registration of Barco by Inter Kashi made him an ineligible player. “The rules do not provide for re-registration for anyone who has been ousted from the season due to a season ending injury/illness,” the appeals panel said in its order.Records suggest that Barco was part of Inter Kashi’s initial squad – which included six foreigners -- for the I-League but was later replaced by Matija Babovic due to what was seen as a season-ending injury. The Spanish striker, however, continued to remain contracted with the club and made a return to the team in February since Julen Perez’s contract termination during the January transfer window left a vacant foreign spot.Inter Kashi have challenged the order, arguing that the green signal to register the player came from the League Committee. The club said, “according to article 13.1.5, AIFF League Committee shall provide due and necessary clarifications or explanations in the event of any doubt regarding the interpretation of these regulations or any other related matters and its decision shall be final and binding.”In a brief statement, Inter Kashi said they welcome Tuesday’s CAS verdict and “extend our sincere gratitude to our fans and well-wishers for their continued and unwavering support throughout this process.”According to sources, it was decided between all parties that the second case would be pursued only if Inter Kashi win the first one against Namdhari and AIFF.“For Inter Kashi to become champions, they need to win both the cases in CAS,” a senior official told TOI. “Now that the verdict is out in the first case, Inter Kashi will approach CAS for a quick decision in the second case regarding the eligibility of Mario Barco. Timelines are yet to be set but a final decision is expected latest by July 15.”

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