I-League 2024-25 title race scenarios explained for all four teams

Four teams are still in contention for the I-League title.

The 2024-25 I-League season is setting up for a grandstand finish with a decisive Matchweek 22 full of future-altering stakes for the clubs. One of the most important fixtures to keep an eye on will be all the teams battling it out for the I-League title.

The race has heated significantly, with multiple teams still in contention in the final week. Churchill Brothers SC, Gokulam Kerala FC, and Real Kashmir FC still have a shot at lifting the trophy. All these permutations have generated great intrigue towards who will be crowned as I-League champion.

The I-League 2024-25 title race moves to the final match day with Churchill Brothers, Real Kashmir and Gokulam Kerala all gunning for promotion! However, the fate might change for Inter Kashi as they await the decision on the Namdhari FC fiasco. #IndianFootball #ILeague… pic.twitter.com/UTpaE5XsUJ

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) March 31, 2025

Additionally, Inter Kashi could still have a say in the title race, depending on the All India Football Federation’s decision regarding their match against Namdhari FC. Let us look at the clubs and the scenarios through which they can win the league title:

Churchill Brothers SC (League Position: 1st)

The Red Machine are in the driver’s seat as they sit atop the pile heading into the final match week. The Goan side needs just a point against Real Kashmir FC in match week 22 to secure the I-League title.

However, if they lose by a margin of two goals or less, they would still have a chance, contingent on Gokulam Kerala FC losing in their match week 22 encounter with Dempo SC. A heavy defeat against Real Kashmir (by three goals or more) could throw a spanner in their work towards the title charge, and will make them reliant on other results.

ALSO READ: I-League 2024-25: Updated Points Table, most goals, and most assists after Gokulam Kerala FC vs Sreenidi Deccan FC

Gokulam Kerala FC (League Position: 2nd)

Following closely behind the Red Machine, Gokulam Kerala FC needs to trump Dempo next week and hope that Real Kashmir FC secures a victory over Churchill Brothers. The margin of victory in both matches is inconsequential for Gokulam Kerala.

As long as Real Kashmir manages a shock result against Churchill Brothers next week, the Malabarians will be crowned champions. A draw or loss for Gokulam Kerala FC would eliminate them from the title race. 

Real Kashmir FC (League Position: 3rd)

The Snow Leopards remain an outside favourite, but their task is arguably the toughest among all teams. To claim the I-League title, Real Kashmir must defeat Churchill Brothers by a margin of at least three goals.

The title victory is also contingent on the hope that Gokulam Kerala does not beat Dempo SC in match week 22. If they win by a lower margin, they will fall short of the top spot, even if other game results go their way. 

Inter Kashi FC (League Position: 4th)

A 2-2 draw against Churchill Brothers meant that Inter Kashi went out of the title race after match week 21. But mathematically the club can still be in contention depending on the AIFF’s ruling on the result of their game against Namdhari FC.

The match was earlier ruled in favor of Kashi after Namdhari FC had fielded an ineligible player. The AIFF are yet to confirm whether Inter Kashi will be awarded three points or if a replay will be scheduled for a later week. If they receive the points, it could significantly alter the league standings and throw another variable into the title race. 

If Inter Kashi secure a victory over Rajasthan United, while Churchill Brothers fail to defeat Real Kashmir. Alternatively, if Inter Kashi manage a draw against Rajasthan United, Churchill Brothers suffer a loss to Real Kashmir, and Gokulam Kerala cannot claim a win against Dempo, the outcome remains in their favor.

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