Inter Kashi issue statement following AIFF's final verdict; promise to continue quest for justice

The Kashi Warriors came out on the wrong side of the AIFF Appeals Committee’s final verdict.

I-League club Inter Kashi have issued a strong statement following the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Appeals Committee’s final verdict on Saturday. The club statement expressed dissatisfaction with the timeline of the proceedings and shared Kashi’s intent to escalate the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The final verdict from the AIFF Appeals Committee ruled in favour of Namdhari FC while stating that the AIFF Disciplinary Committee’s process was flawed. The procedural lapses and a lack of communication led to the overturning of both penalties, which meant Inter Kashi were not crowned 2024-25 I-League champions.

Inter Kashi seek a fair hearing at CAS

In the official club statement released on Saturday, Inter Kashi welcomed the order of the AIFF Appeals Committee following a protracted process, which the club claims should have been wrapped up before the end of the I-League season on April 6.

The club emphasised that with the conclusion of the internal dispute resolution process, they now have the green light to take the case to CAS. The club shared they now possess the freedom to seek a “truly free and fair hearing of the matter.”

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

What was the final verdict from the AIFF Appeals Committee?

The decision to award three points to Inter Kashi for Namdhari FC allegedly fielding an ineligible player in the match between two teams was overturned by the Appeals Committee, thereby restoring Namdhari’s points from the fixture, an outcome that ultimately allowed Churchill Brothers to be crowned the I-League champions, edging out Inter Kashi for the title by a single point. Inter Kashi’s statement reiterates its position that the case is based on “a simple interpretation of rules and regulations based on some undisputed facts.”

While the club has maintained throughout the process that Namdhari FC should have been penalised for fielding a suspended player, it views the Appeals Committee’s reversal as procedurally flawed and unfair.

Inter Kashi also took a subtle jab at Churchill Brothers FC’s potential title celebrations, stating that “any celebration in the interim may ultimately prove to be premature in nature.”

The club’s strong words signal a significant legal escalation, which could further delay the official closure of the 2024–25 I-League season. Should Inter Kashi approach CAS, the case would move beyond the jurisdiction of Indian football’s governing body and into international arbitration.

It will be a rare move that underscores the seriousness with which the club are treating the issue. As the AIFF prepares for the official trophy presentation, the looming shadow of a legal battle at CAS threatens to prolong the uncertainty.

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