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Churchill Brothers have claimed the throne with a provisional top-of-the-table finish currently. But, Inter Kashi could ruin the party, if the AIFF rules in their favour.
I-League 2024/25: Churchill Brothers (left) hold the top spot and the title provisionally. But, will Inter Kashi (right) play spoilsport? (I-League Media)
The 2024/25 season of the I-League has come to a chaotic ending as of now, with much left in the hands of the AIFF to decide.
Before the final matchday today, there were four sides up in contention for the title — Churchill Brothers, Inter Kashi, Real Kashmir, and Gokulam Kerala — in a title race unlike any other, where the stakes were as high as it could be: securing promotion to the ISL.
Let us first take a look at the results of the final matchday of the I-League season, before we go into detail about what they mean:
- Real Kashmir 1-1 Churchill Brothers
- Inter Kashi 3-1 Rajasthan FC
- Gokulam Kerala 3-4 Dempo SC
After the final day of results, what has now transpired is an absolute nail-biter of an end to the season, which is yet to be decided on one contingency.
Coming into the final day, Churchill Brothers were the only side who had it all in their favour: points, goals, everything. All they had to do was to win against Real Kashmir and walk away with the title with no fuss.
But, Real Kashmir, who have not conceded a win at home all season, held onto their record, forcing Churchill to a fiery draw.
But, this was still enough of the Churchill Brothers, who ended up on top of the table, after Gokulam Kerala fell victim to a 94th minute winner from Cristian Roa that gifted Dempo the thrilling 4-3 win over the Kerala side.
So, with 40 points from 22 games, three points clear of both Real Kashmir and Gokulam Kerala, it is Churchill Brothers who have claimed the throne with a provisional top-of-the-table finish.
But, have they? Well, Inter Kashi might just have a fighting chance.
Kashi stands at 39 points in 21 games, just a mere point below Churchill’s total. But, why 21 games if the season has ended? Because of their match against Namdhari FC.
Inter Kashi will only stand a chance to be champions should they receive a favourable decision on the pending AIFF Appeal Committee’s hearing about the match against Namdhari FC, where the opponents fielded an ineligible player.
So, if the AIFF’s ruling on the match goes Inter Kashi’s way, then they will be awarded three points, taking their total to 42 points: overtaking Churchill Brothers for the title and promotion.
But, as it all stands, Churchill Brothers are the provisional champions, and will be praying that they secure promotion to the ISL.
