Bhaichung Bhutia questions AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey's stance on I-League 2024–25 title winners

Churchill Brothers finished on the top of the I-League 2024-25 points table.

Former India captain and legend Bhaichung Bhutia has provided some insight on the question of who has won the I-League 2024–25 title. Speaking exclusively to Khel Now, Bhutia revealed how AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey has already, in principle, regarded Churchill Brothers as the champions of the second-tier football league in India during the AIFF Executive Committee meeting on Monday, April 7.

The Goa-based side wrapped up their I-League 2024-25 campaign with a total of 40 points from 22 matches, narrowly edging out Inter Kashi, who ended with 39 points. Under normal circumstances, that would mean Churchill being crowned champions and preparing for a historic promotion to the Indian Super League (ISL). However, they have not been officially announced as the winners.

“Kalyan [Chaubey], in his opening speech, congratulated Churchill Brothers — Valanka Alemao was also there — for winning the I-League and all that. On that point, I questioned him, ‘You know, there’s a big story in the media right now — the league is not being decided on the ground but in the AIFF office — which is a very bad thing for AIFF. And now you’re declaring Churchill? Are you sure?’ He said yes,” said Bhaichung Bhutia, speaking to Khel Now.

Why haven’t the Churchill Brothers be declared I-League 2024–25 winners?

At the heart of the controversy was a January clash between Inter Kashi and Namdhari FC — a game initially won 2–0 by Namdhari. However, a post-match investigation revealed that Namdhari had fielded an ineligible player — Brazilian forward Cledson. According to reports, Cledson had already accumulated four yellow cards prior to that fixture and should have been serving a suspension. Instead, he played, sparking protests from Inter Kashi.

The full-time results for the I-League final day are here ! As things stand Churchill Brothers are provisionally the I-League 2024-25 champions as Inter Kashi await the fate of their appeal! #IndianFootball #ILeague #ILeagueTitleRace pic.twitter.com/otjQzrzy4c

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) April 6, 2025

Following an appeal by Kashi, the AIFF’s Disciplinary Committee intervened and ruled in their favour. The result was overturned, and Kashi were handed a 3–0 win, granting them three crucial points. But just when it seemed the table had shifted, the AIFF Appeal Committee decided to place a temporary stay on that decision — and set April 28 as the date for a final verdict.

As it stands, the Churchill Brothers lead the table. But if Inter Kashi are reinstated those three points, their tally would rise to 42 — enough to leapfrog Churchill and claim the title. That uncertainty means AIFF cannot officially declare any team as the I-League champion for the 2024–25 season.

Also Read: Can Inter Kashi still win I-League 2024-25?

Kalyan Chaubey insists Churchill Brothers as I-League winners

Continuing on the same topic, Bhaichung Bhutia revealed how AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey had revealed the Churchill Brothers as the winner in front of the Executive Committee even with the date of the appeal set two weeks from now.

“He [Kalyan Chaubey] clarified, saying that as far as AIFF is concerned, Churchill is the winner. He said it — and we all clapped. Congratulations were given. I asked again, ‘Are you sure?’ He said, ‘Yes.’ So that is where he declared Churchill. Valanka was there. Every Executive Committee member was there. He declared them. I asked again, ‘Are you sure?’ He said, ‘Yes.’ I said, ‘Okay, congratulations. I was not aware,’” said Bhaichung Bhutia.

Bhaichung Bhutia calls out I-League title fiasco

However, Bhaichung Bhutia also condemned the situation with the I-League winner having to be decided in the courtroom rather than on the pitch.

“For the first time, I think the league is going into the Federation’s room. And I said, ‘That’s such a bad place for the Federation. And you guys are saying our image is being hit, that people are destroying our image,’” said Bhaichung Bhutia.

“I said, ‘Nobody’s destroying it — it’s yourself. Look at the I-League, what has happened today. If you’re going to decide the I-League inside the room rather than on the field, who’s not going to criticise? And then why are you crying about it?’” he concluded in this regard.

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