In a significant development following the conclusion of the 2024–25 I-League season, six I-League clubs have written to the All India Football Federation (AIFF), raising serious concerns about refereeing inconsistencies that they claim consistently favored Inter Kashi FC.
While commending the AIFF and I-League Committee for the high-quality production and competitive nature of the season, club representatives emphasized the importance of preserving the integrity and fairness of the competition. In their joint letter, they expressed deep concern over a recurring pattern of officiating errors, allegedly influencing match outcomes in favor of one club.
The clubs submitted a detailed Annexure A featuring video evidence and match incidents to support their claims, urging the AIFF to review and address the matter thoroughly. Key incidents cited include:
Inter Kashi vs Rajasthan United:
Minute 93: A wrongly awarded corner kick led to Inter Kashi’s second goal, despite replays showing the ball had last touched an Inter Kashi player.
Minute 97: A goal scored by Player No. 10 of Inter Kashi appeared to involve a clear handball, yet the goal was allowed to stand.
Sreenidi Deccan FC vs Inter Kashi:
Minute 97: A legitimate goal by Sreenidi Deccan from a corner was disallowed without any visible infringement or official explanation.
The clubs also raised concerns about referee Aditya Purkayastha, who officiated both contested matches. They highlighted that in both games, all marginal or controversial decisions favored Inter Kashi, while fouls or infringements by their players were seemingly ignored.
"While we acknowledge that refereeing is managed by an independent body, such repeated errors—especially when they benefit a single team—cast a shadow over the league’s fairness," the letter stated.
The clubs have not demanded punitive action but are seeking a transparent review process to ensure that officiating standards and impartiality are upheld in future seasons.
The AIFF has yet to issue an official response. The controversy is expected to spark debate within Indian football circles, especially considering the I-League's growing reputation and the importance of fair play in its continued rise.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)