Ending weeks of chaos and controversy, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Friday officially declared Churchill Brothers as the champions of the I-League 2024–25 season, securing their long-awaited promotion to the Indian Super League (ISL). The decision brings closure to one of the most dramatic and contentious I-League seasons in recent memory. Churchill Brothers had finished top of the table with 40 points following a 1-1 draw against Real Kashmir on the final matchday. However, their status as champions remained in limbo due to an unresolved disciplinary issue involving fellow title challengers Inter Kashi. The controversy centered around a previous AIFF ruling that awarded Inter Kashi three points after Namdhari FC were found guilty of fielding an ineligible player. Namdhari appealed this suspension, stating they were not given a fair opportunity to contest the referee’s decision — a violation of the principle of natural justice. The AIFF Appeals Committee, in its reasoning, agreed that proper communication and rebuttal time were not given. As a result, the committee partially lifted the suspension, allowing the player …