This article is written by Shubham Kumar Singh: 17.06.2025
Inter Kashi has taken a huge step toward being crowned I-League champions after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled in their favour in the now-infamous “De Gol” case. The decision hands the club three crucial points and breathes new life into their title challenge.
But the story isn’t over yet.
There’s still one more case to be decided — this time involving Inter Kashi’s own player, Mario Barco. Until that verdict comes through, the I-League trophy remains in limbo.
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| Spaniard Mario Barco scoring a penalty in Inter Kashi's colours. |
The De Gol Drama
Back in January, Inter Kashi lost 2–0 to Namdhari FC in a result that later sparked major controversy. It turned out Namdhari had fielded Cledson Carvalho Da Silva, also known as “De Gol” — a player who, on paper, shouldn’t have even been on the pitch due to an automatic suspension after four yellow cards.
Inter Kashi appealed. The AIFF's disciplinary committee initially sided with them and awarded a forfeit win. But in a puzzling move, the federation’s appeals committee reversed that ruling, prompting Inter Kashi to take the matter all the way to CAS.
That gamble paid off as CAS has currently confirmed that De Gol was ineligible to play, providing Inter Kashi back those three points and placing them right back in the hunt for the title.
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| Match no. 45:Namdhari FC vs Inter Kashi FC |
Still Waiting on Barco Verdict
However, things are far from settled. Inter Kashi’s final standing depends on the outcome of a second CAS case — this time concerning their Spanish striker, Mario Barco. Some clubs, including Churchill Brothers, have alleged that Barco also played while under suspension.
If Inter Kashi clears that hurdle, they’ll almost certainly be declared I-League champions and promoted to the Indian Super League (ISL). But until CAS delivers its final ruling, the title remains undecided.
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Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) |
What’s Next?
For now, Inter Kashi will be celebrating this important legal win — a vindication of sorts after months of uncertainty. The club has insisted throughout that it’s only looking for fairness and a level playing field. With this latest decision, they’ve moved a step closer to achieving just that.
All eyes now turn to the second CAS verdict. If it goes their way, Inter Kashi’s remarkable debut season could end with silverware and a historic promotion.