CAS Ruling: Inter Kashi Crowned I-League Champions 2024-25; AIFF Must Compensate Team.
  • 614 views
  • 2 min read

In a dramatic turn of events, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has officially declared Inter Kashi as the champions of the 2024-25 I-League season. The decision, made on Friday, July 18, 2025, resolves a protracted dispute surrounding the eligibility of Spanish forward Mario Barco. The CAS verdict overturns an earlier ruling by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Appeals Committee.

The controversy began with Inter Kashi's registration of Barco at the start of the season. After Barco sustained an injury in December, the club replaced him with Matija Babovic. Later in the season, Inter Kashi re-registered Barco, replacing Juan Perez del Pino, whose contract was mutually terminated. While I-League regulations (Clause 6.5.7) permit up to three foreign player replacements per season due to serious injury or mutual agreement, the re-registration of a previously de-registered player created confusion. The AIFF Competitions Committee initially deemed this a violation, jeopardizing Inter Kashi's title hopes.

However, CAS cleared the air, asserting that Inter Kashi's actions were within permissible regulatory limits. This decision awards Inter Kashi crucial points, propelling them to the top of the league table with 42 points, level with Churchill Brothers but ahead on goal difference. Churchill Brothers, who had been provisionally leading, now drop to second place.

In addition to declaring Inter Kashi as champions, CAS has directed the AIFF to bear 55% of the total arbitration costs. The remaining 45% will be shared by Churchill Brothers, Namdhari FC, and Real Kashmir FC. The AIFF must also pay CHF 3,000 to Inter Kashi as a legal contribution, while Churchill Brothers, Namdhari FC, and Real Kashmir FC must each pay CHF 1,000.

This marks Inter Kashi's second successful legal challenge at CAS this season. Earlier, they were awarded full points after protesting against Namdhari FC for fielding an ineligible player, Cledson Da Silva. The AIFF Disciplinary Committee initially awarded Inter Kashi a win but the Appeals Committee overturned that ruling. CAS later reinstated Inter Kashi’s claim.

The I-League 2024-25 season has been marred by controversies. There were allegations of refereeing bias favoring Inter Kashi, with six clubs submitting evidence to the AIFF. Churchill Brothers were also docked points for fielding an ineligible player. The AIFF's decision to seemingly disregard the CAS order further fueled the controversy.

The CAS verdict brings an end to the saga, crowning Inter Kashi as I-League champions. The AIFF is yet to issue an official statement. The CAS decision mandates the AIFF to immediately adjust the points table and declare Inter Kashi as the winner of I-League 2024-25 season. The court dismissed all other motions and prayers.


Writer - Aarav Verma
With a curious mind, a notepad always in hand, and a passion for sports, Aarav is eager to explore the stories unfolding in his community. He's focused on developing strong interviewing skills, believing in local news's power to connect people. Aarav is particularly interested in human-interest pieces and learning the fundamentals of ethical reporting, often drawing parallels between journalistic integrity and the fair play found in sports.
Advertisement

Latest Post


The Columbus Blue Jackets are gearing up for their 25th season in the NHL, and recent news and rumors are swirling around the team. Here's a breakdown of the latest: **Yegor Chinakhov's Trade Request** Yegor Chinakhov, a 24-year-old Russian right w...
  • 245 views
  • 2 min

U. S. Men's National Team (USMNT) must achieve success to cultivate a strong home crowd advantage during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, says American soccer legend Clint Dempsey. After observing the recent 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup, where the USMNT played befo...
  • 247 views
  • 2 min

As England embarks on their Women's Euro 2025 campaign in Switzerland, they face the significant challenge of defending their title amidst a landscape of change and uncertainty. While the Lionesses undoubtedly possess the talent and experience to go ...
  • 120 views
  • 2 min

Yegor Chinakhov's agent publicly announced that the Columbus Blue Jackets forward has requested a trade, and Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell has confirmed that trade discussions are underway. Chinakhov cited "misunderstandings with the coach" as the reas...
  • 331 views
  • 2 min

Advertisement
The demanding world of professional tennis, with its relentless competition and constant pressure, is taking a toll on players, leading many to experience a significant loss of joy in the sport. Several prominent tennis stars have recently voiced the...
  • 210 views
  • 2 min

The World Championship of Legends (WCL) T20 Season 2 has commenced with a thrilling encounter between England Champions and Pakistan Champions at Edgbaston in Birmingham. The match, held on July 18, 2025, saw Pakistan Champions finish their innings a...
  • 320 views
  • 2 min

Don Awrey, a name synonymous with grit and Stanley Cup glory in Boston Bruins history, recently shared reflections on his remarkable NHL career. From overcoming a potentially career-ending back injury to becoming a cornerstone defenseman for the Brui...
  • 409 views
  • 2 min

On November 12, 2011, a seemingly ordinary game between the Buffalo Sabres and the Boston Bruins took a turn that would forever alter the course of the Sabres franchise. Milan Lucic, then a forward for the Bruins, delivered a forceful hit on Sabres' ...
  • 270 views
  • 2 min

Advertisement
About   •   Terms   •   Privacy
© 2025 SportsBuzz360