Churchill Brothers Awarded I-League Title Despite CAS Order

Churchill Brothers were awarded the I-League 2024-25 title during a ceremony in Goa, despite the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) instructing the AIFF not to declare a winner until the arbitration process was complete. The AIFF was unaware of the CAS order due to a holiday, with Churchill Brothers named provisional winners after finishing ahead of Inter Kashi by one point.

The team who claimed the I-League 2024-25 title amid controversy was Churchill Brothers FC Goa. Despite the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling against the All India Football Federation (AIFF), prohibiting the declaration of the I-League winner or a medal ceremony until the ongoing arbitration was concluded, Churchill Brothers were still awarded the championship.

This occurred on April 27, 2025, during a ceremony in Goa, which proceeded even after AIFF was informed of CAS's decision, due to a holiday at the AIFF Secretariat. Churchill Brothers were initially declared provisional champions on April 19, 2025, by the AIFF’s Appeals Committee after the conclusion of the season. They finished top of the table with 40 points, one ahead of Inter Kashi, who ended the campaign with 39 points.

Inter Kashi contested the decision, arguing that they were wrongfully denied three points after their final match against Real Kashmir ended in a draw. The team plans to appeal to CAS regarding the decision. The AIFF explained that it was only informed of the CAS order after the ceremony was completed, which is why the presentation went ahead as planned. The situation remains unresolved as Inter Kashi continues to challenge the outcome.