The AIFF Appeals Committee, led by Hon’ble Justice (Retd.) Rajesh Tandon has upheld protests by Churchill Brothers, Namdhari, and Real Kashmir against Inter Kashi. The club was accused of fielding an ineligible foreign player, Mario Barco, during the I-League 2024–25.
As a result, Churchill Brothers has been awarded 2 additional points, Namdhari gained 3 points, and Real Kashmir received a superior match result. However, Inter Kashi lost 4 points and suffered a negative goal difference adjustment. This decision, in turn, confirmed Churchill Brothers as the I-League champions with 42 points.
The committee, comprising Justice Tandon, District Judge AK Tripathi, and lawyer Priyanka Mishra, unanimously ruled that the AIFF Competition Committee was right in rejecting Inter Kashi’s attempt to re-register Mario Barco, who had withdrawn due to injury. A letter dated 15th February, 2025, from the AIFF League Committee attempting to overrule that decision was deemed procedurally invalid and declared “non est” by the panel.
The Appeals Committee has instructed the AIFF to ensure all consequences of the order are implemented, effectively sealing Churchill Brothers’ title win. The I-League trophy will remain in Goa, and the club has expressed gratitude to the judicial panel for upholding their rightful claim for the trophy.
