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.
