The I-League 2024-25 presentation ceremony was concluded on Sunday in Goa where the champion’s trophy and winners’ medals were formally presented to Churchill Brothers FC Goa, as per Appeals Committee order and representation made by AIFF to the Delhi High Court earlier this week.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) clarified that, with regard to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) order, due to a holiday in the AIFF Secretariat, the Federation was only informed of the order at a time when the ceremony had already been concluded in Goa.
CAS on Sunday stayed the decision of the AIFF Appeals Committee and barred the 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.
“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.”
AIFF, Churchill Brothers FC Goa and Namdhari FC have been granted until April 29 to file a full reply to Inter Kashi’s application for provisional measures, says the CAS document.
Content Source: sportstar.thehindu.com