In a landmark moment for Indian football governance, Inter Kashi has scored a crucial legal win at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)—temporarily halting AIFF’s decision to crown Churchill Brothers as I-League champions. This battle, which began with a points dispute, now threatens to undermine faith in India’s football institutions.

The Match That Started It All

It began with a January 2025 match between Namdhari FC and Inter Kashi. Inter Kashi alleged that Namdhari fielded a suspended player. The AIFF Disciplinary Committee agreed and awarded Kashi a 3–0 win, pushing them ahead in the I-League title race.

But soon after, AIFF’s Appeals Committee overturned the decision, handing the points back to Namdhari and declaring Churchill Brothers champions instead. In response, Inter Kashi took their case to CAS, which ruled in their favor with an interim stay, blocking any official title declaration or trophy ceremony.

A Federation in Crisis

The bigger scandal? AIFF ignored the CAS order and went ahead with the medal ceremony, presenting the trophy to Churchill Brothers anyway. AIFF later claimed it hadn’t received the CAS ruling due to a public holiday—a defense that raised more eyebrows than it answered.

This incident is more than a clerical error. It reveals deep cracks in AIFF’s legal transparency, communication structure, and its willingness to be held accountable by external authorities.

Favoritism or Failure?

Inter Kashi’s case also triggered criticism over conflicts of interest. Notably, Valanka Alemao, a key AIFF executive, is the daughter of Churchill Brothers’ owner. Fans and stakeholders alike have raised serious questions about how AIFF handles internal bias.

This isn’t just a Kashi vs Churchill issue. It’s a test of Indian football’s legal and ethical standards. When decisions of such magnitude can be made and unmade without due process, what message does it send to smaller clubs, investors, and young Indian players?

CAS and the Future of Indian Football

Inter Kashi’s win at CAS may only be interim, but it’s a rare and bold precedent in Indian football—a club challenging the system and being heard by an international legal body.

As India eyes long-term development and World Cup dreams, professional integrity must become non-negotiable. Clubs like Inter Kashi are proving that Indian football doesn’t just need more players or fans—it needs fair play, governance reform, and independent oversight.

A Hopeful Shift

Despite the controversy, there’s a positive note: this case has awakened the football community. Fans are asking sharper questions. Legal mechanisms are finally being used. And smaller clubs are asserting their right to compete on equal footing.

If Inter Kashi’s fight sparks even minor reforms within AIFF, the impact could ripple far beyond one trophy. It could be the beginning of a more just, more transparent era in Indian football.