MARGAO
Churchill Brothers FC has lodged a formal complaint alleging a series of disruptive actions by Inter Kashi FC and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) in the lead-up to their I-League match scheduled for Sunday, March 30, 2025, at Raia ground.
In a strongly worded statement by Team Manager Denzil Ferrao, Churchill Brothers alleged that the AIFF initially appointed a biased Match Commissioner, which they successfully challenged. Subsequently, the referee panel was abruptly changed from Indian officials to those from Nepal.
The club further claimed that Inter Kashi FC made excessive demands for a practice session on the match ground, sending numerous emails through team officials and the AIFF. Despite Churchill Brothers arranging transportation and an ambulance for Inter Kashi's practice on Friday, the team refused to utilize them at the last minute.
"They made a big fuss and virtually demanded that they be allowed to practice on the match ground for an hour the previous day," stated a Churchill Brothers spokesperson. "We made every effort to meet their demand and spoke to the Local Panchayat which controls the ground. They agreed to allow them to practice for an hour between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2025. But to our utter disbelief, the team informed us that they are not going to avail the same." stated the Red Machines Team Manager.
Churchill Brothers expressed concern over Inter Kashi's "attitude and approach," questioning their motives. The club has formally written to the AIFF, urging them to inform Inter Kashi that they will not tolerate "their theatrics."
"We are prepared for any eventuality should the need arise but we will not be responsible if their players’ and or officials’ behaviour on or off the field lead to any unsavoury incidents," the statement continued. "We only hope Inter Kashi FC has come here to fulfill their I-League engagement and play as per the Laws of the Game and more importantly, as per the spirit of the game," he added.
