THE I-LEAGUE CONTROVERSY

Image Credit- SPORTSTAR.

The All India Football Federation's (AIFF) Appeals Committee declared Churchill Brothers, the interim I-League leaders, the 2024–25 season winners on April 19, 2025, following weeks of drama and ambiguity. However, given that Inter Kashi, the other contender for the second-tier title, announced their intention to appeal the Appeals Committee's ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the AIFF's confirmation of the Goan club's title victory is unlikely to end one of the most turbulent seasons in Indian domestic football.

In order to look into the situation, the AIFF first established a disciplinary committee. The first decision gave Inter Kashi a 3-0 victory, which would have put them two points ahead of Churchill Brothers and guaranteed them the championship. But after Namdhari filed an appeal against the decision, an appeal panel decided in his favour on Saturday, solidifying Churchill Brothers' victory. As anticipated, the resentful party stated it will appeal to a higher adjudicating authority in an attempt to advance to the prestigious Indian Super League (ISL).

After the AIFF Appeals Committee ruled that Churchill Brothers were the I-League 2024–25 winners, ending the protracted title dispute, at least domestically, Inter Kashi has chosen to take their case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Inter Kashi said in a formal statement issued on Saturday that they "welcome the order" of the AIFF Appeals Committee since it ends all internal dispute resolution procedures and gives them the opportunity to apply to CAS for a "truly free and fair hearing". Inter Kashi has made it apparent from the start that the lawsuit is about a straightforward interpretation of laws and regulations based on certain undeniable facts. The statement said, "Inter Kashi will do everything in its power to ensure justice."

Who will end as the final winner? The answer lies in the womb of time. However, this season has truly been a season which no Indian fan will ever forget. It is quite unfortunate that the winner of the league is being decided in the courts rather than on the fields. One can only hope that this tragedy is not repeated ever again. 

THE AWAY GOAL DRAMA

                         

Image Credit- BBC.

No Chelsea fan will ever forget the goal of Iniesta in the 2009 UEFA Champions League Semi-Final Match at Stamford Bridge. The Men in Blue were leading 1-0 till the very end of the second leg. However, from nowhere, Iniesta took a shot that turned into a match-winning goal for the men from Barcelona. The new football fans will wonder how it was a match-winning goal; after all, the score line read 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes. However, it was the away goal rule that paved the way for Barcelona's progress into the finals.

The purpose of the away goals rule, which had been in effect since the 1965–66 season, was to encourage away clubs to attack rather than just sit back and play defense. Theoretically, traveling teams had an incentive to come out of their shells and take more opportunities, which would likely result in more open matches, since they knew that away goals may be used as a tiebreaker.

However, a lot of people had been calling for the UEFA club competitions to do away with the away goals system. They contended that, particularly in the opening leg of a knockout series, the regulation was too harsh on clubs that played at home. A squad suffered a major setback in the tie when they gave up a goal at home. The inequity of forcing the home team to score twice after the away team had already done so was also criticized, particularly during extra time. It's safe to assume that home advantage isn't as important as it used to be. As, a result the UEFA decided to scrap this rule from the 2021-22 season. 

However, the fans of yesteryear will always remember the drama that the away goal created. The drama added extra spice to the European tournament. 

MOHUN BAGAN SCRIPTS HISTORY

                           

Image Credit- Outlook India.

On April 12, 2025, Mohun Bagan created history as they defeated Bengaluru FC to win the coveted ISL Trophy. Previously they had already lifted the Shield after winning the league by a comprehensive margin. However, they did struggle against Jamshedpur F.C. in the semi-finals. They lost the first leg in Jamshedpur 1-2. But they made a strong comeback in the dying moments of the second leg and sailed their way into yet another final. 

The final of the ISL was equally tough, wherein Bengaluru FC were going at it hammer and tongs. Furthermore, it was the team from the South who scored the opening goal. However, Mohun Bagan came from behind and went on to win the game 2-1. Interestingly, the winning goal came in stoppage time, just like it happened in the semifinals against Jamshedpur. The stadium erupted in joy when the final whistle was blown. Mohun Bagan has done it again. The ISL Trophy is back to the Mecca of Indian Football. The Men from Kolkata are the Champions of India. 

JAM KE KHELO

                             

Image Credit- Indian Super League 

The ISL season 2024-25 is over. Mohun Bagan has lifted both the League Shield and the ISL Trophy. Hence it was a historic season for the Giants of Indian Football. However, my own club, Jamshedpur F.C., had a journey that brought smiles to the faces of their fans. Yes, we did not win the titles. But our performance was one of which we should be proud. 

In the league stage we finished fifth. And this too happened because of the goal difference issue. After all, the 3rd, 4th, and 5th ranked teams were level on points. Hence, it can be said that we performed decently in the Group Stage. Moreover, we defeated the Northeast United in the play-off, and that too at their home ground. Furthermore, we were even leading the semi-finals after the first leg. It was quite unfortunate that we conceded a penalty in the dying minutes of the second leg, which helped Mohun Bagan make it into the finals. We literally lost the playoffs by the barest of margins [2-3]. 

It was quite sad that we failed to win the titles this season. However, we are proud of our boys, and we trust and believe in our manager, Khalid Jamil. Though not in this season, one day we will surely reach the pinnacle of Indian football.

#JamKeKhelo.