City Football Group withdraws from Mumbai City FC amidst uncertainty in the ISL.

Mumbai City FC have announced that the City Football Group has completely divested its shareholding to the founding partners of the club amidst increasing uncertainty regarding the future of the Indian Super League (ISL).

The full ownership of the team will now reside with Ranbir Kapoor and Bimal Parekh.

“Mumbai City FC (the Club) confirms that City Football Group Limited (CFG) has divested its shareholding in the Club. The founding owners will take full control of the organisation moving forward,” the club stated in a message on its social media channels.
“Since 2019, CFG and Mumbai City FC have achieved remarkable success, winning two ISL League Winners’ Shields and two ISL Cup titles, enhancing the Club’s football operations, and contributing significantly to the growth of football in India.” The City Football Group (CFG) secured a 65 percent stake in Mumbai City FC in 2019. Mumbai City FC is among the most successful clubs in ISL history, having claimed four titles, including two League Winners Shields and two ISL Cups.
CFG indicated that this decision follows a thorough commercial review prompted by ongoing uncertainties surrounding the ISL.

“CFG has made this move after conducting a comprehensive commercial assessment and in light of the current unpredictability regarding the Indian Super League (ISL). This action reflects CFG’s disciplined and strategic approach, ensuring a focus on areas where it can achieve the greatest long-term impact,” it added.

“CFG takes pride in its achievements and is deeply grateful to everyone involved with Mumbai City FC — from players and coaches to staff, fans, and partners — for their dedication and enthusiasm, and looks forward to maintaining its relationships and collaborations in India in the future.” Indian domestic football has faced turmoil after FSDL — the organisers of the ISL — informed the All India Football Federation (AIFF) in July that it was suspending the country’s top-tier league due to uncertainties surrounding the renewal of the 15-year Master Rights Agreement (MRA) that ended on December 8.

Under the oversight of a Supreme Court-appointed committee, a tender was issued for ISL’s commercial rights but received no responses.

On December 20, a proposal from 10 ISL clubs for “perpetual” operational and commercial control of the country’s top-tier competition failed to secure approval from the AIFF’s General Body, which formed a committee to investigate the situation.

(With PTI inputs)