The All India Football Federation failed to hold a scheduled executive committee meeting on Monday due to lack of quorum.

The meeting was called off after an insufficient number of members logged in. Notices for online attendance were sent barely 24 hours in advance. The request had come from three committee members over the Churchill Brothers FC issue.

There are 22 members on the executive panel. At least 12 were required for quorum. Only 10 registered their presence. After waiting for nearly 25 minutes, the federation cancelled the meeting.

Key agenda items were left untouched. These included discussions on ISL and I-League governance charters and the proposed rebranding of the I-League as the Indian Football League. All were pushed back.

The uncertainty over Churchill Brothers’ demand to play in the ISL remains unresolved. This comes just five days before the league kicks off on February 14.

“No quorum, so no meeting,” a source told News9 Sports. “AIFF may have to call another one.”

No official reason was given for the absence of members. However, the situation has raised concerns internally.

Vice-president NA Harris and treasurer Kipa Ajay were absent without prior notice. Two other members opted out after saying they would accept the majority decision.

“This is unprecedented,” said a person familiar with AIFF meetings. “Not even during Covid did this happen. It shows disinterest or frustration.”

Churchill push continues

Churchill Brothers, runners-up in last season’s I-League, continue to push for ISL inclusion. This is despite losing their case at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which confirmed Inter Kashi as champions and promoted them to the ISL.

Churchill wrote to AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey last week after meeting him in New Delhi. They claimed the matter is still sub judice and insisted on being included in the ISL.

The club has reached out to ISL teams, executive committee members and political contacts to strengthen its position.

This prompted three committee members to demand a meeting, forcing AIFF to act even after releasing ISL fixtures on February 7.

Hours before the meeting, Inter Kashi objected strongly. The club said Churchill were misleading AIFF.

“The CAS award is final and enforceable,” Kashi’s lawyers wrote. They pointed out that the Swiss Federal Supreme Court had already dismissed Churchill’s appeal and annulment plea.

“There is no legal basis to provisionally include Churchill Brothers in the ISL,” the letter said.

The Delhi High Court has also disposed of Churchill’s petition against AIFF.

Despite this, a Churchill official remained defiant. “Only I can say, we are in ISL,” he said, without details.

Churchill have skipped I-League meetings ahead of the February 21 season start. They are firm on one point. ISL football, or no football at all.