Kerala Blasters FC is set for a change in ownership after Hyderabad-based Magnum Sports Private Limited entered into a definitive agreement to sell 100% of the Indian Super League club to UAE-based sports and sports-tech consortium Al Fursan.
Led by Sheikh Ahmad bin Faisal Al Qasimi, the consortium will acquire the club in phases over eight months, subject to applicable regulatory and league requirements. The new ownership will assume responsibility from the 2026-27 season.
The financial terms of the transaction have not been officially disclosed. Times of India reported that sources estimate the deal at around ₹120 crore, but the figure has not been confirmed by the club or the new owners.
The takeover ends Magnum Sports’ ownership of the club, which began in 2016. Kerala Blasters CEO Abhik Chatterjee said the ownership transition will take place in phases while club operations and preparations for the new season continue.
Kochi remains home
Despite earlier speculation that Kerala Blasters could move to another city in Kerala, the club will continue to play its home matches at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi during the 2026-27 season. Discussions over the stadium’s rental arrangement are expected to continue.
The new management has also indicated plans to develop a dedicated stadium for the club. Ofioh Sporty’s CEO Thameem Anvar said discussions around a new facility are underway, with further details expected as part of the proposed “Project Blasters”.
For the current season, Kerala Blasters’ commercial and operational activities will be handled by Kerala-based sports management company Ofioh Sporty. Its CEO Thameem Anwar and co-founder Sharath Kuniyil will oversee the operational mandate under Al Fursan’s strategic direction.
New ownership structure
Al Fursan describes itself as a UAE-based sports and sports-tech consortium focused on football, sports technology, infrastructure and the fan economy. The group is led by Sheikh Ahmad bin Faisal Al Qasimi, with Dr Dunston Pereira serving as director.
The acquisition was facilitated by Birbal Sports & Entertainment, founded by Jitesh Mehta and Ronak Dalal. The company will continue working with Kerala Blasters on player identification and recruitment for the 2026-27 season.
On the football side, Ashley Westwood will continue as head coach. The club has already identified and shortlisted players and staff for the new season, with new signing announcements expected soon.
The ownership change comes as Kerala Blasters prepare for the 2026-27 ISL season, giving the club a new investment and management structure while retaining Kochi as its immediate sporting base.