Inter Kashi Named 2024–25 I-League Champions as CAS Overturns AIFF Verdict, Imposes Penalty

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Inter Kashi have officially been declared the 2024-25 I-League champions following a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which overturned a previous decision by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Appeal Committee regarding the registration of Spanish striker Mario Barco.

The controversy began after Inter Kashi re-registered Barco during the season-having earlier replaced him due to injury-leading the AIFF to deem the move invalid.

The federation had ruled that Barco's second registration breached I-League rules, prompting the deduction of points from Inter Kashi and handing the title to Churchill Brothers. That verdict was challenged by the Varanasi-based side, who had initially dropped to second place.

However, CAS has now sided with Inter Kashi, nullifying the Appeal Committee's decision and reinstating them at the top of the table. In its official order, CAS stated:
"The appeal filed on 4 June 2025 by Inter Kashi FC against the decision issued on 31 May 2025 by the Appeal Committee of the All-India Football Federation is partially upheld. The decision issued on 31 May 2025 by the Appeal Committee of the All-India Football Federation is set aside."

This marks the second successful appeal by Inter Kashi in the matter, reinforcing their argument that the re-registration of Barco complied with competition rules. According to Clause 6.5.7 of the I-League regulations, clubs are allowed up to three foreign player replacements under certain conditions, including injury or mutual contract termination. Barco was initially sidelined due to injury and replaced by Matija Babovic. Later, after Juan Perez del Pino's contract was mutually ended, Inter Kashi re-registered Barco.

Following the CAS ruling, Inter Kashi finish with 42 points, Churchill Brothers drop to second with 40, and Real Kashmir remain third at 37 points.

In addition, CAS directed the AIFF to bear 55% of the arbitration costs, while Churchill Brothers, Real Kashmir, and Namdhari FC will each contribute 15%. The ruling added:
"The All-India Football Federation shall pay an amount of CHF 3,000 (three thousand Swiss francs) and Churchill Brothers FC Goa, Namdhari FC and Real Kashmir FC shall each pay an amount of CHF 1,000 (one thousand Swiss francs) to Inter Kashi FC as legal contribution towards its legal costs and other expenses incurred during these arbitral proceedings."