AIFF Accuses Churchill Brother CEO Valanka Alemao Of 'Exerting Pressure'

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Monday accused its executive committee member Valanka Alemao and her family of exerting "sustained pressure" on the apex body to include Churchill Brothers FC in the top-tier Indian Super League through "exceptional means".

Valanka is the CEO of the Goa-based club, which has been owned and led for decades by entrepreneur and politician Churchill Alemao, who served as president of the Goa Football Association and chief minister of the state.

Churchill Brothers claimed they won the second-tier I-League title in the 2024-25 season, but a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling awarded the title and ISL promotion to Inter Kashi due to a points dispute.

"The All India Football Federation categorically rejects the recent claims made by Executive Committee Ms. Valanka Alemao and wishes to place certain facts on record in the interest of transparency and clarity.

"Between January 8, 2026, and February 15, 2026, Ms.

Alemao and members of her family exerted sustained pressure on the AIFF to facilitate the inclusion of Churchill Brothers FC Goa in the Indian Super League (ISL) through exceptional means," the AIFF said in a statement.

"However, the federation was unable to accommodate this request due to existing rules, regulations, and commitments made to stakeholders.

" The AIFF has largely rejected the inclusion of Churchill Brothers into the 2025-26 Indian Super League, despite lobbying by the club. The ISL clubs too opposed the move based on lack of merit-based qualification and logistical issues.