Inter Kashi Faces Uncertain Future Amid Legal Battles in Indian Football

Inter Kashi, a football club from Varanasi, is at a crossroads as it considers withdrawing from the Indian Super League due to ongoing legal battles with Churchill Brothers. The club has incurred significant legal expenses and is facing salary delays for its players. With a vision to promote football in Uttar Pradesh, the management expresses frustration over the lack of support from the AIFF. As the situation escalates, the future of Inter Kashi hangs in the balance, prompting discussions about the sustainability of football in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 25, 2026, 19:45 IST

Inter Kashi's Struggles in Indian Super League

Just three years after its inception, Inter Kashi is confronting a critical juncture. The Varanasi-based football club, which aimed to promote the sport in Uttar Pradesh, is now considering a withdrawal from the Indian Super League (ISL), the premier league of Indian football. Central to this predicament is an ongoing legal conflict with Churchill Brothers regarding the 2024–25 I-League title and the route to ISL promotion. What started as a simple disagreement has escalated into a legal battle, with the Goan club recently filing a petition in the Delhi High Court. Their claim asserts that Inter Kashi breached AIFF regulations by hosting “home” matches in Kalyani, West Bengal, rather than in Varanasi.

Reports indicate that the club's owners have already incurred expenses of around Rs 4.5 crore due to various legal challenges, with the number of cases reportedly exceeding ten. For the management of Inter Kashi, this situation is not only about principles but also about their very survival. A senior official expressed their concerns, stating, “We informed AIFF that our academy and youth team are based in Kashi. It took us five years to establish our presence in Varanasi, and we have been charged fees for playing outside Uttar Pradesh. Yet, AIFF has not taken a definitive stance.”

The official further articulated the growing discontent within the organization, saying, “In Indian football, profitability is rare. Inter Kashi was founded to foster the sport in Uttar Pradesh. If the federation does not back us, why should we persist?” This sentiment reflects the increasing frustration among the team members, leading to thoughts of abandoning the league altogether. “If you were in our shoes, you would consider quitting too. After all our efforts, why endure this level of mistreatment?” the official questioned.

The turmoil has also affected the team's morale. Recently, veteran coach Antonio Lopez Habas voiced his concerns regarding delayed salaries following a loss to Punjab FC in an ISL match on April 20. “We have been giving our all since last season, and now it seems that players and staff may not receive their salaries,” Habas remarked during the post-match press conference.

Despite these challenges, club management maintains that the salary delays are temporary and a result of escalating legal expenses. “I share Habas's frustration. I too wonder why we are entangled in this mess. Instead of concentrating on football, we are preoccupied with legal battles in the Delhi High Court. Churchill Brothers have filed numerous cases—around 11 to 12—continuously trying to obstruct our progress. They engage with the government and push for ISL inclusion, focusing on everything but the game,” the official explained.

He clarified that the salary issues are not as severe as they may seem: “Players are paid monthly, and while there are delays, they are not extensive. The salaries for February are pending but will be settled soon.” On the field, Inter Kashi's performance has been modest, currently positioned eighth in the ISL standings with 11 points from nine matches, including three wins, four losses, and two draws.