AIFF appeals panel meets early to end suspense over I-League champions

Panaji: The big suspense over the I-League champions is likely to end on Saturday with the All India Football Federation’s appeals committee meeting much earlier than scheduled.
The I-League concluded on Sunday without an official champion for the first time. Churchill Brothers finished on top of the table with 40 points, one more than second-placed Inter Kashi (39). Ideally, they should have been crowned champions, but with Kashi scoring twice in stoppage time to edge past Rajasthan United 3-1, they are also in contention for a top spot, and consequently a place in next season’s Indian Super League (ISL).
Kashi were awarded three points by the AIFF disciplinary committee after Namdhari FC were found to have fielded an ineligible player. The decision was challenged and later stayed by the appeals committee. Should the appeals committee decide against Namdhari, Kashi will move on top with 42 points.
The appeals committee was scheduled to meet on April 28 but with growing pressure on AIFF to announce the champion, the panel has now advanced its meeting to Saturday, April 12.
“This will probably be the most important decision of the appeals committee,” a senior official told TOI. “The I-League champions will be decided based on the order of the committee.”
The appeals committee is headed by Retd. Justice (High Court) Rajesh Tandon and has Retd. Justice (Session Court) Ashok Tripathi as its new member. The committee also comprises two lawyers, Anil Kshatriya and Diwaker Thite.
Sanjay Yadav has resigned from his position as member while Aqeel Ansari has “not actively participated in committee meetings,” as per a latest communique from the AIFF.
After the conclusion of the final round of matches on Sunday, Churchill and Kashi were in celebratory moods. The clubs put out videos of celebrations in their respective dressing rooms.
Kashi players hurled coach Antonio Habas in the air in the traditional trophy-winning celebration while Churchill players and officials had their own celebrations right in the middle of the field.