CAS Ruling Crowns Inter Kashi I-League Champions Amid Promotion Uncertainty

Inter Kashi has been officially declared the I-League champion for the 2024-25 season following a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The decision marks a significant victory for the club, which had been entangled in a dispute with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) over the registration of Spanish forward Mario Barco.

The controversy began when Kashi, dealing with a mid-season injury crisis, re-registered Barco in February as a replacement for Juan Pérez del Pino, who had exited the club by mutual consent. Barco had already been replaced earlier in the season due to injury, leading the AIFF’s Competitions Committee to invalidate the second registration. This decision was initially upheld by the League Committee, resulting in a four-point deduction for Kashi.

However, CAS overturned the penalty on Friday, restoring the points and granting Kashi a crucial three-point gain. That addition brought the club’s final tally to 42 points—enough to leapfrog Churchill Brothers, who now finish second with 40 points.

This ruling is Kashi’s second successful appeal to CAS this season. Earlier, the club had won a case against Namdhari FC, which was found to have fielded suspended player Cledson Da Silva. That earlier verdict had also awarded Kashi three points, proving vital in the tight title race.

“The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) serves as the highest judicial authority for resolving disputes in the field of sports. The All India Football Federation respects and upholds the decisions delivered by the CAS,” said AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, speaking to Sportstar. “In light of the recent ruling, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Inter Kashi on being officially declared the I-League Champion.”

While the club celebrates its maiden title, its future in the Indian Super League (ISL) remains uncertain. Though I-League winners were promoted to the ISL in the previous two seasons—Punjab FC and Mohammedan Sporting—ongoing legal and contractual complications may delay or prevent Inter Kashi’s elevation.

The ISL is currently on hold pending a Supreme Court verdict regarding the AIFF’s constitution. The outcome may influence the existing Master Rights Agreement (MRA) with Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), which has so far resisted league expansion. A draft proposal from FSDL stated no ISL promotion from lower leagues unless unanimously approved by stakeholders, with a 10-year moratorium on relegation and stringent licensing conditions for newcomers.

As Kashi celebrates its title, the wait continues for clarity on whether this triumph will translate into a step up to India’s top football tier.