Inter Kashi have officially been declared champions of the 2024–25 I-League season following a landmark ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland. The decision comes after a months-long legal tussle that saw the All India Football Federation (AIFF) previously awarding the title to Churchill Brothers.

The controversy began when Inter Kashi were penalised four points by the AIFF’s Appeals Committee for allegedly fielding an 'ineligible player', Spanish striker Mario Barco. The deduction saw the Varanasi-based club drop from the top of the table, allowing Churchill Brothers to take the lead with 42 points and be provisionally crowned champions.

However, Inter Kashi contested the ruling, taking their case to the CAS. On Friday, the Lausanne-based sports arbitration body delivered a decisive verdict in Inter Kashi’s favour. “The AIFF shall forthwith declare Inter Kashi FC as winner of the I-league 2024-25 season,” read the ruling.