Goa, June 1 -- On Saturday, the AIFF Appeals Committee upheld protests from I-League clubs Churchill Brothers, Namdhari FC, and Real Kashmir against Inter Kashi for fielding an ineligible foreign player, Mario Barco, during the 2024-25 I-League season.

As a result, all matches in which Inter Kashi fielded Barco will be forfeited, with points awarded to their opponents. This decision boosts Churchill Brothers' points tally to 42, placing them out of reach at the top of the table and effectively crowning them I-League champions for the season-subject to any appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne.

Churchill Brothers welcomed the verdict, declaring, "With 42 points, Churchill Brothers are the undisputed champions. Th...