Churchill Brothers Withdraw From Kalinga Super Cup 2025 After Protest Against AIFF’s Decision

Churchill Brothers have taken the drastic decision to withdraw from competing in the upcoming 2025 Kalinga Super Cup ahead of the start of the tournament on April 20, 2025. They were poised to face off against reigning Indian Super League winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the opening matchday of the competition.

In doing so, Churchill Brothers have also given up on the possibility of qualifying for a 2025/26 AFC competition, with the winners of the Super Cup given the chance to represent India across the continent. This comes amidst some drama over the winners of the 2024/25 I-League competition.

Why Have Churchill Brothers Withdrawn From The Kalinga Super Cup 2025?

The I-League heavyweights confirmed their exit from the cup competition with a statement that reads: “Churchill Brothers finished top of the I-League 2024-25. We earned the title. We earned the right to face the best. We earned the moment that our fans, players and families had waited years – even decades – for. And it was stolen from us.”

Churchill Brothers’ step to walk away from the Super Cup participation is amidst reports that their I-League 2024/25 title win will be cancelled. They finished the campaign on 40 points, the same as second-place Inter Kashi, but the Goan club won the title based on their superior goal difference. The winners of the 2024/25 I-League will earn a promotion to the 2025/26 Indian Super League.

There are claims that the All India Football Federation (AIFF)’s appeals committee will be granting extra points to Inter Kashi, who alleged that Namdhari SC had fielded ineligible players in their loss to the team earlier in the campaign. The final verdict from the Appeals Committee is unlikely to come before the end of April (2025), but Churchill Brothers feel that Inter Kashi will gain a favorable verdict that will help them finish in first place in the final 2024/25 I-League table with 42 points, two points more than the Goan side.

AIFF Under Pressure From Multiple I-League Clubs

The All India Football Federation is facing major backlash from multiple I-League clubs if they give a favorable decision towards Inter Kashi. It is now even being claimed that six I-League sides, including the likes of Real Kashmir FC, Delhi FC, Sreenidi Deccan, Namdharri SC, Aizawl FC, and Churchill Brothers have sent letters to the AIFF’s Disciplinary Committee alleging that Inter Kashi received added benefits from refereeing errors in the 2024/25 season.

The letter from the clubs states: “While we understand that refereeing is overseen by an independent body and AIFF has no direct influence over refereeing appointments or in-game decisions, the recurring pattern of glaring officiating errors — most, if not all, disproportionately benefiting one particular club, Inter Kashi FC — raises serious concerns regarding integrity and impartiality of match officiating.” It now remains to be seen what the final verdict on the Inter Kashi-Namdhar SC match’s case comes out as Churchill Brothers hope to be promoted to the ISL next season.

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