Shillong, Apr 19: After a protracted appeals process that went on for too long, Churchill Brothers were finally confirmed as champions of I-League 2024-25 by the All India Football Federation today.
In a brief post on social media, the AIFF said, “As per an order received from the AIFF Appeals Committee on Saturday, April 19, 2025, on the appeal by Namdhari Football Club regarding Match No. 45 of I-League 2024-25, Churchill Brothers FC Goa, who have the highest number of points in the league, are now the champions.”
You can read about why we ended up in this situation here.
In contrast to the bland matter-of-fact AIFF post, Churchill Brothers put up an emotion-filled one of their own. “They tried to silence us. They took away what we earned. But truth doesn’t stay buried. Justice, like hope, rises… This isn’t just a trophy – it’s a resurrection of belief, of dignity, of everything we stood for.”
The season ended on 6th April but the clubs concerned have been kept waiting for more than two weeks for official confirmation of who are the champions. Churchill Brothers had not shied away from openly criticising the AIFF and (without mentioning them by name) Inter Kashi for the whole appeals drama. The team also withdrew from the upcoming Super Cup, apparently angered by how Inter Kashi celebrated being seeded first among the three I-League clubs that were originally scheduled to participate even though the I-League seeding was done by drawing of lots.
“We are champions – not just on the pitch, but off it too. Because money can buy headlines, but it can’t buy heart and trophies. You can bend rules, but you cannot break truth. You can cheat people – but you can’t cheat the system forever,” Churchill Brothers continued.
However, the matter may not be done and dusted just yet.
In their own social media post, Inter Kashi wrote that they welcomed the verdict as it now allowed them to pursue their appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
“Inter Kashi welcomes the order of the AIFF Appeals Committee following a protracted process which should have been wrapped up before the 6th of April. The conclusion of the hearing, and with it, the exhaustion of all internal dispute resolution processes, enables Inter Kashi to approach the Court of Arbitration in Sport (CAS) for a truly free and fair hearing of the matter,” they stated. “From the very beginning, Inter Kashi has been clear that the case involves a simple interpretation of rules and regulations based on some undisputed facts. Inter Kashi will keep no stone unturned to secure justice, and any celebration in the interim may ultimately prove to be premature in nature.”
(Photo: Churchill Brothers/Facebook)
