AIFF Appeals Committee rules in favour of Namdhari FC; Churchill Brothers crowned I-League champions

Namdhari FC had been accused of fielding an ineligible player against Inter Kashi, but the committee found them not guilty.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) Appeals Committee delivered its much-anticipated verdict on the contentious case involving Namdhari FC and player Cledson C. Silva. The final verdict brings much-needed closure to a complex dispute that affected the I-League 2024–25 standings and the title race.

The Appeals Committee, chaired by Justice (Retd.) Rajesh Tandon set aside two disciplinary decisions against Namdhari FC: one for violent conduct by Silva during a match against Real Kashmir FC and the other for allegedly fielding an ineligible player against Inter Kashi FC.

AIFF Appeals Committee upholds Namdhari FC’s appeal

The Appeals Committee concluded that both disciplinary orders, dated December 28 and 31, 2024, were passed in violation of natural justice as the club and player were not given a fair hearing. Citing the principle of audi alteram partem, translated as ‘the right to be heard’, the Appeals Committee found that the AIFF Disciplinary Committee’s process was flawed.

The player’s three-match suspension, initially imposed for a red card incident, was suspended by interim orders in January and March. Despite Namdhari FC acting in good faith and checking eligibility status with the match commissioner, they were later sanctioned with a 0–3 forfeit loss for fielding Silva.

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Churchill Brothers FC crowned I-League 2024-25 champions

The Appeals Committee strongly criticised the Disciplinary Committee’s ex parte clarification order, ruling it was made without informing or hearing Namdhari FC. It held that procedural lapses and a lack of communication rendered the forfeiture unjustified.

Citing these lapses, the AIFF Appeals Committee, chaired by Justice Tandon, ruled in Namdhari’s favour, overturning both penalties and restoring the club’s standing in the league. The final verdict also meant that Churchill Brothers remain top of the final points table with 40 points.

They also ruled that Inter Kashi will finish with 39 points and second in the final standings, while Namdhari FC finish in sixth with 32 points. The committee has also directed the AIFF to conduct the official medal and trophy presentation without further delay, as per the I-League regulations.

A huge decision for Namdhari FC’s reputation, but the final verdict clears the path for Churchill Brothers to be officially crowned as the 2024-25 I-League champions. While the final decision is a hammer blow for Inter Kashi, it clears all the confusion surrounding the status of I-League champions.

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