AIFF Excludes Churchill Brothers from Upcoming ISL Season Following Title Controversy
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has delivered a decisive ruling, confirming that Churchill Brothers will not be part of the Indian Super League (ISL) for the 2025-26 season. This decision was made during a virtual Executive Committee meeting held just two days before the league's commencement, marking a significant development in Indian football's administrative landscape.
Executive Committee's Near-Unanimous Decision
The AIFF's Executive Committee reached a near-unanimous agreement to exclude Churchill Brothers from the upcoming campaign. This conclusion was influenced by the fact that preparations for the season were already well underway, creating logistical challenges for inclusion. The meeting, originally scheduled for February 9, was postponed due to lack of quorum before being reconvened virtually.
Pressure from ISL clubs played a crucial role in this outcome. A majority of Indian Super League teams had formally written to the federation, urging against Churchill Brothers' inclusion. Their collective argument centered on preserving the league's credibility, suggesting that allowing a team whose promotion status was under legal dispute could undermine competitive integrity.
The I-League Title Reversal That Sparked Controversy
The situation originated from Churchill Brothers' provisional top finish in the I-League standings last season, which initially positioned them for promotion to the ISL. However, a dramatic reversal occurred when second-placed Inter Kashi successfully appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Inter Kashi had been penalized by the AIFF Appeals Committee for fielding an ineligible player, but CAS overturned this decision, awarding them four crucial points. This adjustment ultimately shifted the championship title from Churchill Brothers to Inter Kashi, who were subsequently declared I-League champions and earned promotion to the ISL. Inter Kashi will begin their campaign against FC Goa on February 14.
Bhaichung Bhutia Criticizes Federation Administration
Former India captain and current Executive Committee member Bhaichung Bhutia voiced strong criticism of the AIFF's handling of the situation. He described the administration as "inexperienced" and highlighted the unfairness created by having league champions determined through court proceedings.
"Why have this meeting when the league is starting in five days time? That in itself shows the fault in the administration," Bhutia questioned. "And you're again having a meeting to decide whether they should be allowed or not! Secondly, why did the situation come here is created by the federation itself."
Bhutia expressed sympathy for both clubs involved in the controversy: "They (Churchill Brothers) were completely right in appealing. They were declared winners and given the trophy. All said and done, it is unfair on both Inter Kashi and Churchill. Both the clubs were hard done by the federation and had to spend time, money and energy in going to court."
The football legend concluded with a pointed observation about the federation's inconsistent approach: "When the league champion is decided by the court, either you decide both clubs should not play or you say that until the decision is finalised, we will not allow both to play. When it comes to allowing one and not the other, it becomes very unfair."
This ruling represents a significant moment in Indian football governance, highlighting ongoing challenges in league administration and promotion/relegation processes. The exclusion of Churchill Brothers from the ISL 2025-26 season concludes a chapter of controversy while raising questions about procedural fairness and timing in football federation decisions.
