Churchill Brothers Asked to Return I-League Trophy as CAS Stays AIFF Decision Amid Ongoing Dispute

Churchill Brothers Asked to Return I-League Trophy as CAS Stays AIFF Decision Amid Ongoing Dispute

Panaji, Goa — The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has formally requested Churchill Brothers FC to return the I-League 2024-25 champions trophy and medals following a stay order from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), raising questions over the final outcome of this season’s I-League title race.

The development comes in the wake of a high-stakes legal tussle between Inter Kashi and AIFF over the federation’s decision to declare Churchill Brothers as champions. CAS, the Switzerland-based international sports tribunal, issued a directive on Sunday — just two hours before the trophy ceremony — staying the AIFF Appeals Committee’s verdict that cleared the way for Churchill’s title. However, the AIFF proceeded with the ceremony, citing that the CAS order was received only after the distribution concluded, due to it being a public holiday.

“The AIFF has to comply with the CAS order which has stayed the decision of the appeals committee,” a senior official from AIFF confirmed. The federation has since written to Churchill Brothers CEO Valanka Alemao, instructing the club to return the trophy and medals immediately to comply with the interim legal order.

The Legal Timeline:

February 24: AIFF’s Disciplinary Committee awarded Inter Kashi a 3-0 win after ruling that Namdhari FC had fielded an ineligible player.
March: The decision was stayed by the AIFF Appeals Committee.
April 19: The Appeals Committee ruled in favour of Namdhari FC, annulling Kashi’s 3-0 win and effectively handing the title to Churchill Brothers.
April 28: CAS stayed the Appeals Committee’s verdict and restrained AIFF from declaring a champion or holding a medal ceremony.

Inter Kashi, who finished just one point behind Churchill Brothers, could potentially claim the title if the CAS ruling reinstates their disputed three points. The outcome may have massive implications not only for the current season but also for promotion into the Indian Super League (ISL).

What’s Next:

In its interim order, CAS Deputy President Elizabeth Steiner has asked all involved parties — AIFF, Churchill Brothers, and Namdhari FC — to submit detailed responses by April 29. The AIFF has expressed hope for a swift resolution, ideally before May 31, when the current football season ends.

“An expedited procedure will ensure that there is a conclusion to the case before the next season starts. The earlier this gets resolved, the better it is for Indian football,” the official added.

Churchill Brothers, historically one of India’s most respected football clubs, have previously won the I-League in 2008-09 and 2012-13. Securing a third title would make them eligible for promotion to the ISL on sporting merit, as was the case with Punjab FC and Mohammedan Sporting.

As the situation unfolds, the Indian football fraternity watches closely, with fairness, compliance, and clarity hanging in the balance.