Kerala Blasters FC are entering a new phase after a UAE based consortium led by Al Fursan Sports Investment signed a definitive agreement to acquire 100 percent ownership of the Indian Super League club from Magnum Sports Private Limited. The ownership change was announced in Kochi on September 29, 2026, marking a major change in the club's management structure.
The incoming group is led by Sheikh Ahmad bin Faisal Al Qasimi, with Al Fursan described as a UAE based sports and sports technology consortium. The transaction is not an immediate transfer of ownership. According to the club and reports from multiple news organisations, the acquisition will be completed in phases over a period of eight months and remains subject to applicable regulatory and Indian Super League requirements. The new ownership is set to assume responsibility for the club from the 2026 27 season.
The agreement brings an end to Magnum Sports Private Limited's ownership of Kerala Blasters. The outgoing ownership group has said that the decision followed considerable thought and that the club has been left with stronger foundations for its next phase. The ownership transition is expected to take place without disrupting the club's existing operations and commitments to supporters and partners.
One of the major areas of interest for supporters is the future of Kerala Blasters' home ground. For the 2026 27 season, the club will continue to play its home matches at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi. Discussions are continuing regarding the rental arrangement for the stadium. The club has not announced an immediate move away from Kochi.
At the same time, the new management has indicated that it has longer term plans for a new stadium. Thameem Anwar of Ofioh Sporty said the ownership group has a plan to build a new stadium and that more information would be provided when Project Blasters is formally presented. Reports indicate that the proposed future venue is expected to meet modern football and FIFA related standards, although the location, capacity, construction schedule and financial details have not yet been officially announced.
The new ownership has also introduced the broader concept of Project Blasters. The initiative is expected to cover several areas beyond the senior men's football team. These include sports technology, commercial activities, fan engagement, infrastructure and community development. Al Fursan plans to officially launch the project in the UAE in the coming weeks, when the consortium is expected to provide more details about its long term strategy for the club.
Another important change concerns the club's operational structure. Kerala based sports management company Ofioh Sporty has been appointed as the operational partner. Its chief executive officer Thameem Anwar and co founder Sharath Kuniyil are expected to oversee day to day operations under the strategic direction of the new ownership. This arrangement is intended to maintain a strong operational presence in Kerala while the new ownership develops its wider plans for the club.
The acquisition was facilitated by Birbal Sports and Entertainment, founded by Jitesh Mehta and Ronak Dalal. The company will continue working with Kerala Blasters and has been tasked with supporting player identification and recruitment in coordination with the new ownership and football management.
There are also changes in the sporting setup ahead of the new Indian Super League season. Ashley Westwood will continue as the head coach of Kerala Blasters for the 2026 27 campaign. The club has already started preparations for the new season, with training arrangements planned at the FC Madras facility in Mahabalipuram. The club has also identified and shortlisted players, with announcements regarding new signings expected as preparations progress.
The club's early fixtures are also being planned around the transition. Kerala Blasters are scheduled to begin their 2026 27 campaign with away matches before returning to Kochi for their home fixtures. The management has indicated that the team will continue to use the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium for its home games during the current season.
The new ownership comes at a significant time for Indian football, with several clubs experiencing changes in ownership and management. Kerala Blasters are among the most widely followed clubs in the Indian Super League, and the change in ownership has generated considerable attention among supporters and the wider football community.
Al Fursan's plans appear to extend beyond simply managing the existing football team. The proposed Project Blasters framework includes football operations, commercial development, technology, infrastructure, fan engagement and community initiatives. The proposed new stadium is also part of the broader long term vision outlined by the new management. However, specific details about the stadium project have not yet been made public.
The financial value of the acquisition has not been officially disclosed by Kerala Blasters or the incoming ownership. Some media reports have cited estimates of around Rs 120 crore, but that figure has not been formally confirmed by the parties involved. Therefore, the reported valuation should not be treated as an official transaction amount.
The ownership transition will also be closely watched because of the club's strong connection with Kerala and its large supporter base. The new management has indicated that the club will continue operating from Kochi and that local operational involvement will remain part of the structure. Ofioh Sporty's role is expected to provide continuity in the club's day to day management while Al Fursan works on its wider strategic plans.
For the immediate future, the focus will remain on completing the ownership transfer, preparing the squad for the 2026 27 Indian Super League season and maintaining the club's operations in Kochi. Ashley Westwood will lead the team, while the new management works on recruitment and other sporting preparations.
The longer term plans could bring further changes to the club's infrastructure and commercial operations. Project Blasters is expected to provide more clarity on the proposed stadium, sports technology initiatives, community programmes and other areas of investment. Until the formal roadmap is released, details about the proposed stadium and other projects remain preliminary.
The takeover therefore represents more than a change in ownership for Kerala Blasters. It brings a new investment group into the club and introduces a broader development plan covering football, infrastructure, technology, commercial activities and supporter engagement. The current season will continue with the club based in Kochi, while the new ownership works toward completing the phased transfer and establishing its long term plans.
