Kerala Blasters set for takeover by Dubai-based consortium

Kerala Blasters FC is preparing for a change in ownership, with a Dubai-based consortium reportedly in the final stages of acquiring the Indian Super League (ISL) club from current owners Magnum Sports. 

According to The New Indian Express, the consortium is linked to the UAE royal family, with an official announcement expected by September 28. The transaction would end Magnum Sports' ownership, which began in 2016.

The proposed acquisition comes after years of financial difficulties at the club. Magnum Sports chairman Nikhil B Nimmagadda and other shareholders have been looking to sell the franchise amid mounting operational costs and uncertainty surrounding the ISL's commercial structure.

The financial terms and complete ownership structure of the proposed deal have not been officially disclosed. However, a September 26 report by Manorama Online identified Sheikh Ahmed bin Faisal Al Qasimi, a member of the Sharjah ruling family, as the reported leader of the consortium and cited a proposed investment of ₹100 crore.

The transaction remains subject to official confirmation, with further details expected in the coming days.

Kochi to remain home

Amid speculation that the club could relocate to Calicut or Malappuram, sources cited by The New Indian Express said Kerala Blasters would continue playing at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi for the upcoming season.

The ownership transition comes at a critical time for the club, with the ISL season scheduled to begin in October. Kerala Blasters are set to face Inter Kashi FC in their opening match on October 11.

The club has yet to begin its pre-season activities, and decisions on player recruitment and squad strengthening remain pending. Captain Adrian Luna, who was loaned out last season amid the club's financial constraints, is expected to stay.

The proposed takeover follows a difficult period for the club's finances. Kerala Blasters previously relied on broadcast and commercial revenue distributed through the ISL's commercial structure. Changes to the league's commercial arrangements have added pressure on club finances.

A new ownership group could bring a different investment structure, although the consortium's spending plans, squad budget and long-term commercial strategy have not been officially announced.

For Kerala Blasters, the immediate priorities include preparing the squad for the new season and establishing clarity over the club's management and financial operations.

The deal, once formally announced, would mark a major change in the ownership of one of Indian football's most widely followed clubs.