New Delhi, Feb 27: The All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) disciplinary committee on Thursday handed Churchill Brothers FC a 0-3 forfeit for fielding an ineligible player during their I-League match against Aizawl FC.
The match which was played on February 17 at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Mizoram ended in a 1-1 draw.
The national federation said in a statement: “AIFF Disciplinary Committee has found Churchill Brothers FC Goa in breach of Article 6.5.6 and 6.6.6 of the I-League 2024-25 Regulations, for fielding an ineligible player in Match 86 of the I-League 2024-25 against Aizawl FC, played on February 17, 2025.
“The said match shall result in a forfeiture (0-3 loss) for Churchill Brothers FC Goa in accordance with Article 57 read with Article 26 of the AIFF Disciplinary Code.”
The punishment notwithstanding, Churchill Brothers remain second in the I-League standings with 28 points from 16 games, three behind leaders Inter Kashi who have played the same number of games.
Earlier this week, Namdhari FC were docked three points by the AIFF for a similar violation in their match against Inter Kashi on January 13.
The latest ruling by the AIFF disciplinary committee once again underscores the strict adherence to regulations in the ongoing I-League season.
With the title race heating up, the decision to penalise Churchill Brothers FC could have significant ramifications in the final stretch of the campaign.
While the Goan side continues to occupy the second spot, the forfeiture has dented their chances of catching table-toppers Inter Kashi, who enjoy a three-point cushion.
The back-to-back disciplinary actions — first against Namdhari FC and now Churchill Brothers — highlight the AIFF’s no-nonsense approach towards administrative lapses, serving as a reminder to all participating clubs to maintain due diligence in player eligibility and registration processes.
As the league heads towards its climax, such off-field decisions could potentially play a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of the championship. (PTI)
