Inter Kashi to Challenge AIFF's Decision at CAS Again

Inter Kashi's Legal Battle Continues

Inter Kashi, an I-League football club, is set to approach the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) for the second time within a month. This follows a ruling from the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Appeal Committee, which determined that the club had fielded an ineligible player, resulting in a penalty of point deductions in the league standings.

The Appeal Committee's decision stated that Mario Barco Vilar, who was released and subsequently re-registered by Inter, should not have participated in matches against Namdhari XI, Churchill Brothers, and Real Kashmir FC.

Interestingly, the AIFF's League Committee, responsible for overseeing the league, had previously approved Vilar's re-registration on February 15. In light of this, Inter has opted to contest the Appeal Committee's ruling at CAS.

In a statement, Inter Kashi expressed its disappointment with the AIFF Appeals Committee's decision, emphasizing the need for a fair hearing at CAS. The club lamented the situation, stating, "It is unfortunate that Inter Kashi has to approach CAS yet again for a truly free and fair hearing of the matter, it seems to be the new reality of Indian Football."

The club further expressed its astonishment at how straightforward regulations could be misinterpreted, leading to their current predicament. They asserted that they have consistently adhered to the League Regulations in both letter and spirit.

Many within the AIFF were surprised by the handling of this situation, with one source noting, "The League Committee is the highest authority to run the game; the Appeal Committee has no jurisdiction here."

This marks Inter Kashi's second case at CAS, as they previously filed a complaint against the AIFF regarding a controversial decision that significantly impacted the I-League title race. In January, Inter Kashi accused Namdhari of fielding an ineligible player, Cledson Carvalho da Silva, who should have been suspended after accumulating four yellow cards. Although the AIFF Disciplinary Committee ruled the match a forfeit against Namdhari and deducted three points, the Appeal Committee later suspended this decision.

As a result, Churchill Brothers ended the league at the top with 40 points, just one point ahead of Inter Kashi.