New Delhi: The All India Football Federation’s appeal committee announced Churchill Brothers as the I-League champions on Saturday after rejecting Inter Kashi’s appeal for three points against Namdhari FC.
Kashi had appealed to the three points and a +3 goal difference gifted to them by the AIFF’s disciplinary committee on February 28 on account of Namdhari fielding an ‘ineligible’ player in their away match on January 13 that they lost 0-2 in Ludhiana.
After the conclusion of I-League, Kashi has 39 points from 22 matches, one less than Churchill and had the appeals committee delivered a verdict in their favour, they could have gone on to be the winners with 42 points and opened the doors for promotion into the top-tier Indian Super League.
But the appeals committee heard the submissions of all parties before rejecting Kashi’s appeal, after initially issuing a stay order on disciplinary committee’s decision on March 25.
“The AIFF AC sets aside the order dated 28.12.2024 and 31.12.2024 of Disciplinary Committee. The intervention application filed on behalf of the Inter Kashi FC is disposed of by hearing the parties,” Justice Rajesh Tandon, chairperson of the appeals committee, wrote in its final order.
“Churchill Brothers FC Goa, Inter Kashi, and Namdhari FC has obtained 40 points, 39 points, and 32 points respectively. Accordingly, Churchill Brothers FC Goa, Inter Kashi, and Namdhari FC stands at No. 1, No. 2, and No.6 respectively at the Points table: I-League 24-25.
“Consequently appeal i.e. Concerning the charge notice issued against Cledson C. Silva of Namdhari FC [Ref: AIFF/Disciplinary Committee/IL 2024-25/87] is allowed and appeal Concerning the charge notice for fielding an ineligible player of Namdhari FC (Cledson C. Silva) [Ref: AIFF/Disciplinary Committee/IL 2024- 25/102] is automatically allowed.
“As the I-League has concluded on 06.04.2025, the AIFF is directed to act forthwith by conducting a medal distribution ceremony in accordance with points obtained respectively.”
It is Churchill’s third I-League title after 2009 and 2013 an would see them promoted to the ISL subject to fulfillment of AIFF’s licensing criteria.
‘Namdhari acted in good faith’
Justice Tandon also noted: “The AIFF has never rebutted the argument that its CMS portal did not reflect a ban on the player. It has also not disputed the submission on record that Namdhari FC’s manager Jodhvir Singh had sought an on-field clarification from the AIFF appointed match commissioner before the game against Inter Kashi about player ineligibility of Cledson.
“In fact, the AIFF DC has also noted in its impugned decision that Namdhari FC had acted in good faith. Despite such a holding, the AIFF has decided that Namdhari FC deserves to be sanctioned with a 0-3 loss.
“Therefore, the Appeal Committee is of the opinion that the earlier order by which shows that initial stage when the Disciplinary Committee has passed the order 31.12.2024 and at that moment the appellant was not heard. This order was passed in violation of audi alteram partem.
“The order passed by the Disciplinary Committee originally dated 31.12.2024 cannot be allowed stand in the light of Article 90 when the Namdhari FC was not heard at the initial stage. The appeal therefore stands allowed.
“Consequently, the other appeal filed by Namdhari FC Vs AIFF has become infructuous and stands allowed automatically.
After the order, Inter Kashi announced intentions of moving to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) for a “truly free and fair hearing of the matter”.
“Inter Kashi will keep no stone unturned to secure justice, and any celebration in the interim may ultimately prove to be premature in nature,” the club said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Churchill, Namdhari, Delhi FC and Real Kashmir has also lodged a complaint against Kashi at the Delhi High Court over fielding an ‘ineligible’ player in matches against them, which is expected to be heard on April 23.
Churchill Brothers FC Goa, Inter Kashi, and Namdhari FC stands at No. 1, No. 2, and No.6 respectively at the I-League points table, Justice Rajesh Tandon, chairperson of AIFF’s appeals committee, said in its final order. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
