The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has stayed the decision of the AIFF Appeals Committee and barred the All India Football Federation (AIFF) from declaring the I-League winner or holding a medal ceremony until the ongoing arbitration is resolved. The order was issued by the Deputy President of CAS’ Appeals Arbitration Division.
Churchill Brothers, which topped the I-League 2024-25 standings with 40 points from 22 matches, was in line to be crowned champion. However, the official confirmation was delayed pending approval from the AIFF Appeals Committee.
The Committee, initially scheduled to decide on the matter on April 28, advanced the hearing to April 12. Churchill Brothers was subsequently declared winner nearly two weeks after the season concluded.
Inter Kashi, in a statement, said: “We welcome the order on our request for provisional measures issued by the Deputy President of the Appeals Arbitration Division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport in the case filed by Inter Kashi at the CAS with case number CAS 2025/A/11374.
“Through this order, CAS has stayed the order issued by the Appeal Committee of All India Football Federation rendered on 18 April 2025 and has further ordered the All India Football Federation not to declare the winner of the I-League 2024/2025 or organise a medal ceremony for the I-League 2024-25 until the present arbitration has been concluded.
“Inter Kashi eagerly awaits a truly free and fair hearing of the matter at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and maintains that the case involves a simple interpretation of rules and regulations based on some undisputed facts.”
Content Source: sportstar.thehindu.com