FSDL threatens to expel Mohammedan Sporting over financial crisis
New Delhi/Kolkata, April 6: The final day of the I-League 2024-25 season produced a heady mix of drama, triumph, and tension. Churchill Brothers FC Goa provisionally secured the top spot in the table with a gritty 1-1 draw against Real Kashmir FC in Srinagar, keeping their ISL promotion hopes alive.
However, their fate now lies in the hands of the AIFF Appeal Committee, which is set to deliver a crucial verdict on April 28 that could upend the current standings.
Churchill Brothers ended their campaign with 40 points from 22 matches. Real Kashmir, who needed a three-goal margin to remain in the title race, settled for a draw, finishing third with 37 points. The match saw Lalramsanga give the home side an early lead in the 7th minute before Rafiq Aminu equalised for Churchill in the 50th minute following an assist by Wayde Lekay.
But the story is far from over.Inter Kashi, coached by Antonio Lopez Habas, ensured the title race went down to the wire with a dramatic 3-1 win over Rajasthan United in Kalyani. Goals in stoppage time from David Humanes Munoz (90+4’) and Matija Babovic (90+7’) sealed the comeback win after Alain Oyarzun had earlier cancelled out Prasanth Karuthadathkuni’s 12th-minute opener.
Inter Kashi finished one point behind Churchill on 39, but they could leapfrog to 42 and claim the title — and with it, a historic promotion to the Indian Super League — if their appeal to be awarded three points from a previous match against Namdhari SC is upheld. That match, played on January 13 and originally lost 0-2, saw Namdhari allegedly field an ineligible player. The AIFF Disciplinary Committee awarded a 3-0 forfeit in Kashi’s favour, but the AIFF Appeal Committee later put the decision “inoperative and in abeyance” pending a final hearing.In Kozhikode, Gokulam Kerala’s title hopes were dashed after a thrilling 4-3 loss to Dempo SC. Despite a hat-trick from Thabiso Brown (4’, 11’, 73’), Gokulam were undone by late strikes from Cristian Damian Perez, who scored twice including the injury-time winner, alongside goals from Kapil Hoble and Didier Brossou.
Amid the high-stakes title drama, a crisis of a different kind unfolded off the pitch.
FSDL Warns Mohammedan Sporting of ISL Expulsion
Mohammedan Sporting Club, which finished bottom in their debut ISL season, now faces the threat of expulsion from the league. Indian Super League organisers Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) have issued a stern warning to the Kolkata club over unresolved financial and investor issues, demanding clarity and corrective action by April 11.In a letter dated April 4, FSDL expressed grave concern over the club’s failure to provide a detailed breakdown of outstanding dues, including pending payments to players, technical staff, and vendors. The situation worsened after two key investors — Gurugram-based Bunker Hill Sports and Kolkata’s Shrachi Group — expressed intent to withdraw due to stalled share transfer agreements, despite having invested significantly.
“We have no locus standi in the club and have lost all hopes,” said Rahul Todi, chairman of the Shrachi Group, who claimed their 18-month-old investment has not yet translated into agreed shareholding.
Bunker Hill, which took charge of the club in 2020 and later sold part of its 61 per cent stake to Shrachi Sports, has also voiced similar frustrations. The club’s general secretary, Ishtiaque Ahmed Raju, remained cautiously optimistic, stating, “Share holding distribution is still under process… we are hopeful it would be sorted soon.”
FSDL, however, was less patient. It accused the club of withholding crucial information during the active ISL season, and warned that without a concrete contingency plan — including a replacement investor and a full dues statement within seven days — the club could face termination from the league.“Financial stability is one of the fundamental requirements for participation in the ISL,” the letter stressed. “Failure to meet these demands will leave us with no option but to consider further actions, including termination of your participation.”
With one club’s promotion hanging in the balance and another staring at potential expulsion, Indian football’s season finale has turned into a suspenseful off-field spectacle. (PTI)