Churchill Brothers Asked to Return I-League Trophy Amid CAS Stay

The AIFF has asked Churchill Brothers to return the I-League 2024–25 trophy and medals after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) issued a stay order. Inter Kashi appealed the AIFF's earlier ruling, citing a disputed match. A final decision is expected before May 31 to resolve the championship controversy.

After the All India Football Federation (AIFF) mistakenly awarded Churchill Brothers FC the I-League 2024-25 title, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has intervened, staying the decision and instructing the return of the trophy and medals. AIFF had crowned Churchill champions on Sunday, unaware that two hours earlier, CAS had issued an order preventing the declaration of a winner or conducting a medal ceremony until arbitration concludes.

The controversy stems from Inter Kashi’s appeal. Kashi finished one point behind Churchill but argue they should be champions if three deducted points, originally awarded due to Namdhari FC fielding an ineligible player, are reinstated. Though the disciplinary committee initially ruled in Kashi’s favour on February 24, the appeals panel later overturned it, enabling Churchill’s title win. CAS deputy president Elizabeth Steiner set an April 29 deadline for AIFF, Churchill, and Namdhari to respond to Inter Kashi's application.

The AIFF has requested Churchill CEO Valanka Alemao to return the awarded items, explaining the delay in acknowledging the CAS ruling due to Sunday being a public holiday. A quick resolution is anticipated before the season ends on May 31. Winning the I-League would grant Churchill promotion to the Indian Super League (ISL), making this title highly significant.