PTI, NEW DELHI: Churchill Brothers finished provisionally on top of the I-League 2024-25 table after a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Real Kashmir FC in Srinagar on Sunday, but their wait for the title and a historic promotion to the Indian Super League will hinge on the AIFF Appeal Committee’s verdict later this month.
Churchill Brothers finished with 40 points, one ahead of Inter Kashi (39), but the table could yet see a twist if the Antonio Lopez Habas-coached Inter Kashi are awarded three additional points -- currently kept in abeyance -- from their protest over Namdhari SC fielding an ineligible player earlier this season.
The AIFF Appeal Committee is set to hear the case on April 28.
If the decision goes in Inter Kashi’s favour, their points tally will rise to 42, making them the I-League champions and sealing the promotion to the ISL in only their second season.
The controversy relates to Inter Kashi’s match against Namdhari SC on January 13, when the latter won 2-0. But the AIFF Disciplinary Committee later found out that they fielded an ineligible player.
The committee awarded a 3-0 forfeit win to Inter Kashi along with three points.
However, the AIFF Appeal Committee later put the decision “inoperative and in abeyance” until the final hearing.
“The AIFF Appeal Committee has stayed the forfeiture decision... a final decision is yet to be taken,” the AIFF had stated.
Heading into the final round on Sunday, four teams -- Churchill Brothers, Inter Kashi, Real Kashmir and Gokulam Kerala -- were all in title contention.
Churchill needed a win in Srinagar to seal the title outright but could only manage a draw against a resilient Real Kashmir which ended unbeaten at home.
“I would like to thank the Almighty and Mother Mary,” said Valanka Alemao, CEO of Churchill Brothers, after the match. “Every single victory belongs to Lord Jesus. And this would not have been possible as every Goan supported our team through each and every match and they carried them on their shoulders. I am proud of the team. The boys have played excellently and it has been our year. With regards to Inter Kashi, championships are won on the pitch and not in the courtroom.”
Goa Football Association (GFA) president Caitano Fernandes said, “It is a very good development for Goan football. We are happy that a Goan team has done well. Now there are two teams in the ISL. My best wishes for them.”
For the fans of Churchill Brothers, it has been a highly satisfying season. Rahil Khan, a die-hard fan from Baina, said: “Being a fan of Churchill Brothers is about the loyalty, the passion, and the unwavering commitment we have to our team, through thick and thin. We’ve endured many ups and downs, and through it all, we’ve seen our players fight for every single point, give their all, and represent our club with the utmost pride. No matter how things play out, we already know that the spirit of Churchill Brothers has shone through this season.”