AIFF decision overturned as CAS awards Inter Kashi Three Points - Who wins the I-League Then and Will This Saga ever End?

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The Court of Arbitration of Sports (CAS) has given a huge verdict in favour of Inter Kashi amid the ongoing I-League saga.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) earlier gave the verdict against the club, which prompted them to seek CAS' intervention. But Inter Kashi made a post on social media announcing the CAS decision going in their favour, which potentially changes the dynamics of Indian football again.

Why did Inter Kashi go to CAS?

Inter Kashi's decision to approach the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) stems from a contentious chain of events that exposed the chaotic underbelly of Indian football governance, courtesy of AIFF.

In an I-League fixture held at the end of January, Inter Kashi lost 2-0 to Namdhari FC. However, they lodged a complaint soon after, pointing out that Namdhari had fielded Brazilian midfielder Cledson Da Silva, who was ineligible to play due to suspension after accumulating four yellow cards - an automatic one-match ban under league rules.

The AIFF's Disciplinary Committee initially ruled in favour of Kashi, awarding them a forfeit win. But Namdhari appealed, claiming that the AIFF's Competition Management System (CMS) did not indicate any suspension for Da Silva, and thus the error was not theirs. In an unusual move, the AIFF set aside the forfeiture ruling and deferred a final decision until after the season concluded. Eventually, the federation sided with Namdhari.

Feeling aggrieved by what they viewed as an unjust reversal and procedural inconsistency, Inter Kashi escalated the matter to CAS, seeking an independent and definitive resolution. The decision going against Kashi cost them the I-League title, as Churchill Brothers were crowned as Champions.

What has CAS said?

As per Inter Kashi, CAS' verdict has gone in the club's favour. The club announced the news on social media on Tuesday (June 17).

"Inter Kashi welcomes the verdict issued by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in the matter of the arbitration filed by the club, registered as case number CAS 2025/A/11374," the post wrote.

"The CAS award overturns the decision of the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) appeal committee, which had earlier deducted three points from the club in connection with its match against Namdhari. The order speaks for itself and the club does not wish to comment further on the matter at this time. We extend our sincere gratitude to our fans and well-wishers for their continued and unwavering support throughout this process," it added.

Who is the I-League Champion Now?

The current situation means Inter Kashi will add three more points to their tally, which takes them beyond Churchill Brothers, who were eventually announced as Champions. It further complicates the situation as Inter Kashi are now the eligible team for promotion to ISL next season. Although no official statement has arrived from AIFF or Churchill Brothers, things can turn to another chapter in this never-ending saga.

It promises to be another feud, at least the tides speak so. Churchill Brothers, who must have been on their laurels for the upcoming ISL season, will they let this go simply? What about AIFF? After this massive setback, how will they react? A number of questions arise right now, and it feels the end is not near at all.