Local owners take back control after global group leaves
Indian football has been hit by a major shake-up as the City Football Group (CFG) officially announced its departure from Mumbai City FC. This move marks the end of an era for the club that is part of the same global network as English giants Manchester City. The City Football Group Mumbai City FC exit comes at a time when the domestic league is struggling with significant administrative and financial hurdles.
Control of the club now returns to the original founding partners. Bollywood superstar Ranbir Kapoor and seasoned professional Bimal Parekh, through Mumbai City Football India Pvt Ltd, have bought back the 65 percent stake previously held by CFG. While the transition ensures the club remains in experienced hands, the reasons behind the exit highlight a deeper Indian football crisis.
According to official statements, the decision followed a strategic review influenced heavily by the ISL future uncertainty. The league has been in a state of paralysis, with no matches played since April 12. This stagnation stems from a deadlock between the AIFF and its commercial partner, FSDL. The two entities have struggled to renew the Master Rights Agreement that governed the league since 2010. Without a clear legal and operational framework, finding new investors has become nearly impossible.
During their tenure, which began in 2019, CFG transformed Mumbai City FC from a mid-table side into a dominant powerhouse. The club secured two ISL titles and a league shield, setting a high standard for professional football in India. Their departure raises serious questions about the long-term viability of the league for international investors.
As fans of teams like Odisha FC and others look on, the focus shifts to the high-stakes meetings scheduled between the AIFF and club owners. The goal is to find a solution to the ongoing paralysis. For now, Mumbai City FC begins a new chapter under local leadership, while the broader football community waits to see if the league can regain its footing.
