Churchill Brothers FC were initially crowned AIFF champions New Delhi: Indian Super League (ISL) clubs have collectively rejected the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) proposal to include Churchill Brothers in the ongoing season. The clubs argued that such a move would “contrary to merit-based participation and undermine competitive integrity” with the 2025–26 season underway.“Given that this matter has previously been discussed and reconciled in discussions with the AIFF, we are unclear on what basis to reopen this matter,” the clubs said in a letter to the national federation.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SIGN UP NOW!“The 2025-2026 ISL league structure is closed and final. It forms the basis of existing sporting, operational, financial and contractual commitments. No expansion or changes are acceptable at this stage.”On Wednesday, the AIFF wrote to the 12 ISL clubs – apart from FC Goa and Sporting Club Delhi – asking for their consent to include the Goan club in the campaign. FC Goa and SC Delhi have already agreed to include Churchill Brothers but have added a caveat that they will abide by the decision of the majority of clubs.
Why Ahmedabad is probably the sports capital of India? | Bombay Sports Stock Exchange
“In any event, as the vast majority of clubs involved do not agree to any expansion and the federation retains regulatory authority over the composition of the league, the matter should be considered closed,” the clubs’ latest communication to the AIFF continued.A letter from the AIFF to ISL clubs, signed by deputy general secretary Satyanarayan M, referred to reports from SC Delhi and FC Goa on February 13 – a day before the much-delayed and shortened season began.Churchill Brothers’ desperate plea for inclusion in the ISL was earlier contested by 14 ISL clubs on February 11. A day later, the AIFF executive committee also canceled the proposal.The issue stems from last season’s controversy in the I-League where Churchill was declared the interim winner for the 2024-25 season. However, Inter Kashi, who earned points during the season, were successful in overturning the decision by appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). As a result, Inter Kashi were promoted to the top league, where they have already played two matches, drawing both.
