How a Varanasi football club challenged the Indian football establishment and won
In short: Founded in 2023, Inter Kashi became the first professional club from Uttar Pradesh to reach India's top-tier league. Their ascent was defined by a bitter legal battle against the All India Football Federation, culminating in a landmark Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling that finally crowned them I-League champions.
Inter Kashi emerged in 2023 as a collaborative venture between the Kolkata-based RDB Group and European football entities, including Atlético Madrid and Inter Club d'Escaldes. Based in Varanasi, the club quickly established a distinct identity, incorporating local symbolism into their crest, such as the Tripundra representing Lord Shiva and the iconic Manikarnika Ghat. Despite their rapid professionalization, including the launch of the Atlético de Bharat Academy, the club's second season was marked by intense controversy and administrative friction.
The club's path to the Indian Super League was far from straightforward. Following a tumultuous 2024–25 I-League campaign, Inter Kashi found themselves embroiled in disputes involving the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and rival clubs like Churchill Brothers. Allegations of mismanagement, ineligible player registration, and pre-match disruptions led to a series of appeals. When the AIFF Appeals Committee initially awarded the title to Churchill Brothers—despite a stay order from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)—the federation proceeded with a trophy ceremony that drew widespread criticism for undermining the credibility of the sport's governing body.
The conflict reached a resolution on 18 July 2025, when a definitive CAS ruling overturned the AIFF's decision, officially declaring Inter Kashi the I-League champions. This victory secured their promotion to the Indian Super League, where they debuted in February 2026. Beyond the pitch, the club has focused on long-term infrastructure, signing a memorandum of understanding in January 2026 to construct a 5,500-capacity, AFC-rated stadium in Varanasi. By navigating both legal challenges and grassroots development, Inter Kashi has transformed from a regional startup into a significant, albeit polarizing, force in the Indian football landscape.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Inter Kashi FC
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