AIFF Accuses Alemao Family of Pressuring for Churchill Brothers' ISL Inclusion
AIFF's Allegations Against Alemao Family
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has made serious allegations against the Alemao family, particularly targeting Valanka Alemao, who serves as an Executive Committee member and is the CEO of Churchill Brothers FC. The federation claims that the Alemao family exerted "sustained pressure" on them to secure a spot for Churchill Brothers FC in the Indian Super League (ISL).
Churchill Brothers FC, a prominent team in the I-League, has clinched the championship title three times. They were initially recognized as the winners of the last season (2024-25) after the AIFF's appeal committee invalidated the registration of a foreign player from Inter Kashi, leading to the forfeiture of all matches involving him. However, this decision was later overturned, and Inter Kashi was ultimately declared the champion.
Inter Kashi FC lodged an appeal on June 23, aiming to reverse the AIFF's decision. Following a hearing by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on July 15, the CAS panel ruled in favor of Inter Kashi, mandating the AIFF to adjust 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's promotion to the ISL.
In a recent statement, the AIFF remarked, "Ms. Alemao and her family members have persistently pressured the federation to facilitate Churchill Brothers FC Goa's entry into the ISL through extraordinary means. However, the AIFF could not comply due to existing regulations and commitments to stakeholders."
On January 6, 2026, it was announced that the upcoming ISL season would feature 14 teams and 91 matches in a condensed format, with the necessary approval from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
The I-League rules clearly state that the season's champion earns a promotion to the ISL. The AIFF reiterated that, in line with the CAS ruling, Inter Kashi was the rightful winner, and thus, they could not include Churchill Brothers in the ISL.
The AIFF's statement further indicated that after Inter Kashi's promotion, several legal petitions were filed by the Alemao family. Despite Valanka Alemao's position on the Executive Committee, she allegedly attempted to sway discussions during official meetings to favor her club's inclusion in the ISL.
Valanka also pushed for an Emergency Executive Committee meeting regarding this issue, which was scheduled for February 9, 2026. However, the meeting could not proceed due to a lack of quorum. Following this, she reached out to committee members to arrange another meeting on February 12, which was attended by all members, but the proposal for Churchill Brothers' inclusion was ultimately rejected.
On February 14, the opening day of the ISL season, Valanka's family requested the AIFF to hold yet another Emergency Executive Committee meeting on the same topic. The AIFF deemed it inappropriate to reconvene since the matter had already been thoroughly discussed and decided. Subsequently, legal petitions were filed in the Delhi High Court. The AIFF maintains that all meetings and decisions are conducted in strict adherence to its Articles of Association and established protocols.