Can Inter Kashi still win the I-League?

Inter Kashi are now in second place with 38 points

Inter Kashi have been handed a major boost in the I-League title race after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) overturned the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Appeals Committee’s decision to dock them three points for their I-League clash against Namdhari FC. But is that enough for the Kashi Warriors to earn a promotion to the ISL?

This season’s I-League campaign has been anything but straightforward. With multiple decisions being reversed, the decisions of AIFF and despite the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) stepping in, the title race still remains unresolved. Churchill Brothers were declared provisional champions, But the final verdict is still pending.

Their first case was about their 2–1 win against Namdhari FC, which the AIFF had overturned, on grounds of player ineligibility of Cledson da Silva. AIFF not only nullified the result but also reduced three points from Inter Kashi’s total tally. This decision was challenged, and then CAS ruled that Inter Kashi’s points must be restored.

A second case appealed by Inter Kashi awaits at the CAS

Churchill Brothers, Namdhari FC and Real Kashmir FC appealed against Inter Kashi’s Spanish striker Barco, claiming he was ineligible after being replaced earlier by Matija Babovic in the season due to a reported season-ending injury.

But Barco returned to the team after the termination of Julen Perez’s contract in the January transfer window. The AIFF Appeals Committee upheld this, saying that re-registration is not permitted under league rules for players who have been ousted from the season due to a season-ending injury/illness.

Kashi countered the ruling by stating that the League Committee had approved Barco’s registration. Speaking about Article 13.1.5 of the regulations, the club argued that the Committee is responsible for clarifying any ambiguities or confusions in the rules and that its decisions are final.

How can Inter Kashi still win the I-League?

With the CAS ruling in favour of Inter Kashi in the first case, the AIFF’s earlier decision has been overturned. As a result, Inter Kashi now move up to second place in the I-League standings with 38 points, with just 4 points behind Churchill Brothers, who sit at the top of the table with 42 points.

If Inter Kashi succeed in winning the second appeal at CAS, it would result in an addition of four points. These points being added to their tally will push their total to 42 points. At the same time, Churchill Brothers would lose two points, bringing their total down to 40. This shift would place Inter Kashi at the top of the I-League standings, making them the champions.

Inter Kashi’s title hopes now rest heavily on the judgment of the second appeal. A ruling in their favour would swing the points in their direction and win them the league title.

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