AIFF Appeals Committee upheld their stay order in favour of Namdhari FC resulting in Churchill Brothers winning the I-League 2024-25. Initially, the AIFF Disciplinary Committee had revoked Namdhari FC’s 2-0 win over Inter Kashi for fielding an ineligible player. The Appeals Committee stayed the decision and awarded the match to Namdhari FC in their final hearing on the issue.
The decision leaves Inter Kashi on 39 points, a point behind Churchill’s 40. If the committee had ruled in favour of Kashi, they would have risen upto 42 points.
Inter Kashi released a statement following the decision of the AIFF Appeals Committee indicating that they will approach Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Both clubs hurtled allegations on each other towards the end of the season. Infact, six of 12 I-League clubs had written to the AIFF citing instances where title contenders Inter Kashi benefitted due to alleged partial refereeing.
More detailed reading on the decision making the committee here by journalist Sayan Mukherjee
More reading:
Citing holiday, AIFF coronates Churchill Brothers with I-League trophy despite CAS prohibition
CAS stays I-League title verdict, but Churchill Brothers get trophy from AIFF
[…] I-League 2024-25: Churchill Brothers declared Champions by AIFF, decision stayed by CAS […]