I-League drama continues, Churchill, Inter Kashi wait for champion crown

Panaji: Churchill Brothers FC believe they have won the I-League after securing a 1-1 draw against Real Kashmir in Srinagar on Sunday. The result meant they finished the league on top with 40 points, but neither was the trophy awarded to them nor were they declared champions.

AIFF said Churchill have provisionally finished top of the I-League 2024-25 table.

“While the draw against Real Kashmir keeps them at the top of the table, they must await the result of the AIFF Appeals Committee’s hearing on the match between Namdhari FC and Inter Kashi (Match No. 45),” the federation said in its official report.

Even with a draw, Churchill appeared to be headed towards the title – regardless of the appeals committee decision – but away in Kalyani, Inter Kashi scored twice in added-on time to win 3-1 against Rajasthan United. The win took Kashi to the second spot with 39 points, and should the appeals committee give a favourable verdict, which means three additional points, they will be crowned champions.

“Championships are won on the pitch, not in court. Champions of India. We’re back,” Churchill said in a post on social media after the game.

Churchill have won the I-League twice in the past, but this was an important one as champions qualify for the next edition of the Indian Super League (ISL) on sporting merit.