Inter Kashi Manager Antonio Habas Raises Concerns About Club Situation After Punjab Defeat

New Delhi: Antonio Habas used strong words after Inter Kashi went down 0-3 to Punjab FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) on April 20. The Inter Kashi manager congratulated Punjab FC after a strong show with goals from Samir Zeljkovic, Effiong Nsungusi Jr., and Bede Osuji. But his comments toward his own team raised eyebrows.

"I want to say congratulations to Punjab FC, but I don't want to talk about the match because Inter Kashi is in a very, very complicated situation with a lot of problems in the club. I don't want to talk about the match," said Habas.

"We need to talk about the situation of the players and staff with the owner of the club, because it's impossible to compete in the ISL. This is my answer today."

"I am very, very sad about this situation. We have been fighting since last season 100%, and now it's possible that the players and staff will not receive their salaries. It's impossible," he continued.

An Inter Kashi insider clarified to TimesofIndia.com that there are no financial issues within the club. Another agent informed us that they have no information on the matter.

The club source suggested that the issue Habas is pointing to could well be their ongoing legal tussle with Churchill Brothers. That process has seen Inter Kashi and Churchill Brothers approach the All India Football Federation (AIFF), the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and now the Delhi High Court.

The two clubs have been locked in a legal battle over last year's I-League title. After Churchill were crowned champions, and literally handed over the trophy, the title was awarded to Inter Kashi following a disciplinary hearing. CAS had ruled in favour of Inter Kashi, and the club were promoted to the ISL. Churchill, however, attempted to gain entry as late as after the start of the ISL season, but their efforts were unsuccessful. The club also opted against playing in the second division (now called the Indian Football League).

On March 31, the AIFF had accused its Executive Committee member and Churchill Brothers CEO Valanka Alemao of exerting "sustained pressure" to facilitate their inclusion in the ISL. The statement came on the day Valanka accused AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey, vice president NA Haris and deputy secretary general M Satyanarayan of intimidation and harassment during the Executive Committee meeting.

Meanwhile, Inter Kashi's first season in the ISL has, expectedly, been a challenge. It took them until the third game for their first win of the season, and the loss to Punjab halted their streak of two victories. They're eighth in the ISL points table with 11 points after nine matches played, clinching three wins along the way. Their next game is against NorthEast United FC on May 2.