Why have Churchill Brothers FC Goa withdrawn from the Super Cup?

Churchill Brothers have officially withdrawn from the Super Cup, citing frustration with the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) indecision regarding the 2024-25 I-League title.

The Goan club, who finished atop the I-League table with 40 points, has yet to be crowned champions due to an unresolved dispute involving second-placed Inter Kashi.

The controversy centres around a January match where Namdhari SC allegedly fielded an ineligible player against second-placed Inter Kashi.

Although Kashi lost the league match, they contested the result, claiming their opponents had broken the rules. They presented their case to the Appeals Committee, requesting three points from the fixture. If granted, those points would raise their total to 42, securing them the championship title.

The Appeals Committee’s decision is expected by April 28, but reports suggest the AIFF is likely to uphold Kashi's claim and award the additional points.

In response, Churchill has voiced strong opposition, citing perceived injustice, and has withdrawn from the Super Cup as a form of protest.

"Today, our I-League trophy count still reads “2” instead of “3." Not because we didn’t earn it. But because someone decided we didn’t deserve to be celebrated. Because the AIFF stayed silent. And now they want us to quietly play the Super Cup? No. We are withdrawing. Because this is not football anymore. This is theatre—and the ending was scripted," the club said.