Churchill Brothers denied entry to ISL for upcoming season by AIFF
by Thobelani Moyo | by Thobelani Moyo
Churchill Brothers suffer a huge blow in their bid to join ISL
With the 2025-26 Indian Super League season already in motion, one of India's historic football clubs, Churchill Brothers, will not be taking part in this year's competition. This comes after the All India Football Federation (AIFF) denied them entry.
The club had provisionally finished first in the I-League standings. However, Inter Kashi, who had four points deducted by the AIFF, decided to oppose that decision by approaching the Court of Arbitration for Sport. They were crowned champions instead of the Margao-based side. For the former, this resulted in them missing out on automatic promotion to the top-flight league.
In response to the All India Football Federation denying the Churchill Brothers entry, the federation cited regulatory compliance issues as the reason behind their decision. Most ISL clubs were against the club joining the league, too, stating that it could make the league's credibility questionable.
These are some of the reasons:
- No sporting merit
- Financial and commercial harm to other clubs
- Disruption of the ISL schedule
- Impact on existing committees
- Financial and operational stability concerns
- Setting a tricky precedent
- No legal or regulatory clarity
What this means for Churchill Brothers and the Indian Football
It goes without a shadow of doubt that the Churchill Brothers' exclusion from the Indian Super League comes as a big setback. Their participation in the top-flight would have rewarded them with many benefits, such as better sponsorships, attracting top players and giving the team more visibility. While the I-League is also competitive, it doesn't have the same exposure and growth as the Indian Super League.
The decision taken by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) also highlights a wider issue in Indian football that needs to be addressed. Inter Kashi's decision to oppose a four-point deduction, which resulted in their promotion, is a clear indication of implementing administrative rules rather than prioritising on-field results.
Despite this setback, Churchill Brothers have proven that they are a strong team capable of bouncing back. With a strong base at their disposal, they should be able to challenge for the Indian Super League entry in the coming seasons. Also, adapting to meet AIFF rules could be key to their success in the future.
