After weeks of uncertainty and drama, Churchill Brothers, the provisional I-League leaders, was adjudged champions for the 2024-25 season by the Appeals Committee of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Saturday. The AIFF confirmation of the Goan club’s title triumph, however, is unlikely to bring closure to one of the most turbulent seasons in Indian domestic football as Inter Kashi, the other claimant to the second-tier title, announcing their intention to approach the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) following the Appeals Committee’s decision. The championship outcome had been uncertain due to a dispute involving Inter Kashi, the newly-formed club who finished second in the league but were contesting the result of their match against Namdhari FC (which they lost 2-0), alleging that the opposition fielded an ineligible player – Brazilian midfielder Cledson C Silva. Story continues below this ad The AIFF initially formed a disciplinary committee to investigate the matter, and the initial ruling awarded a 3-0 win to Inter Kashi which would have taken them two points clear of Churchill Brothers and …