AIFF Accuses Alemao Family of Pressuring for ISL Inclusion

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has accused the Alemao family, particularly Valanka Alemao, of applying undue pressure to include Churchill Brothers FC in the Indian Super League (ISL). This controversy follows a series of events surrounding the I-League title and subsequent legal disputes. The AIFF maintains that it could not accommodate the Alemao family's requests due to existing regulations and commitments. The situation escalated with multiple emergency meetings and legal petitions, raising questions about influence within the federation. Read on to discover the full details of this unfolding story.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 30, 2026, 23:50 IST

Allegations Against the Alemao Family

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has claimed that the Alemao family, specifically Valanka Alemao, who is a member of the Executive Committee and CEO of Churchill Brothers FC, exerted 'sustained pressure' on the federation to secure the team's entry into the Indian Super League (ISL).

Churchill Brothers FC's I-League History

Churchill Brothers FC has a notable history in the I-League, now referred to as the Indian Football League, having won the championship three times. They were initially recognized as the winners of the 2024-25 season after the AIFF's appeal committee invalidated the registration of a foreign player from Inter Kashi, leading to the forfeiture of matches involving him. However, Inter Kashi was later declared the official champion.

I-League Title Dispute and CAS Decision

On June 23, Inter Kashi FC appealed against the AIFF's decision. Following a hearing by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on July 15, the CAS panel overturned the AIFF's ruling from May 31, 2025, mandating an adjustment to the I-League 2024-25 points table. Consequently, Inter Kashi finished with 42 points, while Churchill Brothers ended with 40 points, leading to Inter Kashi being crowned champions.

Promotion to ISL

As a result of their I-League victory, Inter Kashi earned promotion to the ISL. The AIFF stated that Valanka Alemao and her family had been pressuring them to include Churchill Brothers FC Goa in the ISL through extraordinary means, but the federation could not comply due to existing regulations and commitments.

AIFF's Compliance with Regulations

On January 6, 2026, it was announced that the upcoming ISL season would feature 14 teams and 91 matches. The AIFF secured the necessary approval from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for this format. The regulations of the I-League clearly state that the season's winner is promoted to the ISL, which, according to the CAS ruling, was Inter Kashi.

Influence Allegations and Emergency Meetings

The AIFF's statement indicated that after Inter Kashi's promotion, several legal petitions were filed by members of the Alemao family. Despite her position on the Executive Committee, Valanka Alemao allegedly attempted to sway decisions during official meetings to favor her club's inclusion in the ISL. She also requested an Emergency Executive Committee meeting, which was scheduled for February 9, 2026, but could not proceed due to a lack of quorum.

Further Attempts to Influence Decisions

Valanka Alemao reportedly contacted executive committee members to arrange another Emergency Executive Committee meeting on February 12, 2026. This meeting took place with full attendance, but the proposal for Churchill Brothers' inclusion in the ISL was ultimately rejected. On February 14, the opening day of the ISL season, her family made additional requests for another emergency meeting, which the AIFF declined, citing that the matter had already been thoroughly discussed.

Legal Actions and AIFF's Stance

Following these events, legal petitions were submitted to the Delhi High Court. The AIFF emphasized that all meetings and decisions are conducted in strict adherence to its Articles of Association and established procedures.