CAS Overturns AIFF Decision, Reinstates Inter Kashi’s Points in Foreign Player Dispute

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has ruled in favor of Inter Kashi FC, overturning a previous decision by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Appeals Committee that had docked three points from the club. The case revolved around allegations of improper registration of a foreign player during the 2024–25 I-League season.

Inter Kashi had been penalized for allegedly violating articles 6.5.6 and 6.5.7 of the I-League regulations. These rules cap foreign player registrations at six per club and prohibit a club from reinstating a foreign player once he has been replaced during the same season. The controversy centered on Spanish striker Mario Barco, who was replaced by Serbian forward Matija Babovic after sustaining an injury. However, Barco was later reinstated for match day 15, replacing Juan Perez del Pino, who had mutually parted ways with the club on February 1.

Following this move, Namdhari FC, who first raised the issue, along with Churchill Brothers and Real Kashmir, all of whom played against Inter Kashi while Barco was in the squad, lodged formal appeals to the AIFF. The appeals committee sided with the complainants, resulting in a three-point deduction for Inter Kashi.

Now, CAS has reversed that decision. “Inter Kashi welcomes the verdict issued by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in the matter of the arbitration filed by the Club, registered as case number CAS 2025/A/11374 (Inter Kashi FC vs AIFF & Churchill Brothers FC Goa & Namdhari FC),” the club stated following the ruling.

The AIFF has acknowledged the CAS ruling and committed to enforcing it. “The AIFF followed the orders and implemented the decision of the Independent Committee, and will now follow the CAS orders and implement its decision,” read a statement from India’s governing football body.

The decision marks a significant turn in a closely watched case and brings relief to Inter Kashi, who stood firm in defense of their player registration process. The verdict also sets a precedent for how foreign player regulations may be interpreted in the I-League, potentially influencing how clubs manage their squad rosters in the future.

With the three points reinstated, Inter Kashi can now shift their focus back to the field, hopeful that this resolution will bring much-needed stability after months of legal uncertainty.