Churchill, Inter Kashi brag like boxers as I-League season ends without clear winner

Almost always, a clear winner emerges at the end of a football league unless there are playoffs. But on April 6, when the I-League, the men's second division in India, which is still held in the traditional format devoid of playoffs, ended, there was no definitive winner.

The final standings were devoid of ambiguity; Churchill Brothers were on top with 40 points, followed by Inter Kashi with 39. Real Kashmir and Gokulam Kerala finished with 37 points each. However, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) did not confirm the winner.

There is a scenario that would grant Inter Kashi three more points, taking their final tally to 42 and making them champions. However, that process hinges on a verdict from the AIFF Appeal Committee, which is set to decide on April 28. Inter have appealed against Namdhari SC for fielding an ineligible player during their match earlier in the season, and if the Appeal Committee finds merit in the allegation, three points will be awarded to Inter.

Churchill could have avoided the situation had they defeated Real Kashmir on the final matchday, but they could only settle for a 1-1 draw in Kashmir, while Inter crushed Rajasthan FC 3-1 at Kalyani in West Bengal to keep their hopes alive.

Even as the title is on hold, there were celebrations in the Churchill and Inter Kashi camps, with both sides taunting the other. Both Churchill and Inter were more like boxers waiting for a verdict at the end of a bout, each convinced that they have won it. "Some chase relevance, while we chase greatness," posted Inter Kashi on social media. Churchill's response on their social media handle was more direct. "Championships are won on the pitch, not in court."

Churchill's rant was longer: "We reminded everyone that football is for the people. It’s the sport of the poor, not the playground of the rich." The winner of the I-League will gain promotion to the Indian Super League (ISL). Punjab FC and Mohammedan SC are the two clubs that gained promotion to the ISL by winning the I-League in the last two seasons when a revamped AIFF roadmap kicked in.