Kochi: Kerala Blasters FC have confirmed a major ownership change, with current owners Magnum Sports Private Limited entering into a definitive agreement to sell 100 per cent of the Indian Super League club to Dubai-based Al Fursan.

The acquisition will be completed in phases over the next eight months, according to outgoing Kerala Blasters CEO Abhik Chatterjee, who announced the details at a press conference in Kochi. The ownership transfer is expected to be completed during the 2026-27 ISL season.

Al Fursan is a UAE-based sports and sports-tech consortium led by Sheikh Ahmad bin Faisal Al Qasimi, a member of the Sharjah ruling family. As part of the new ownership structure, Kerala-based sports management company Ofioh Sporty has been appointed as Kerala Blasters' operational partner.

Who are Kerala Blasters’ new owners?

Al Fursan will acquire the entire 100 per cent stake in Kerala Blasters from Magnum Sports.

The deal has been reported at around ₹100–120 crore, although the club's official announcement did not disclose the financial terms. The acquisition will be completed in phases, with the incoming ownership gradually assuming responsibility for the club.

Ofioh Sporty CEO Thameem Anwar and co-founder Sharath Kuniyil will oversee the club's day-to-day operations as part of the new structure.

Anwar sought to reassure Kerala Blasters supporters during the transition, saying the club was in safe hands.
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Kerala Blasters ownership transfer to happen in phases

Kerala Blasters said the transaction and transfer of ownership would be completed in phases throughout the 2026-27 season.

The club has assured its partners and supporters that its operations and existing commitments will continue without disruption during the transition.

The incoming ownership group will gradually take over the club's day-to-day operations as the eight-month transfer process progresses.

The ownership change follows a sale process involving Hyderabad-based Magnum Sports, which has owned Kerala Blasters since 2016.

Ashley Westwood to remain head coach

The ownership transition will not bring an immediate change to Kerala Blasters' coaching setup.

Outgoing CEO Abhik Chatterjee confirmed that Ashley Westwood will remain the club's head coach for the upcoming ISL season.

The team's training camp will begin in Chennai on Wednesday, while the squad announcement is expected within three days, according to Chatterjee.

Kerala Blasters are scheduled to open their 2026-27 ISL campaign against Inter Kashi on October 11. The match is likely to be played in Ranchi, although the venue is yet to be confirmed.

The club's first home match is scheduled against Mumbai City FC in Kochi on October 25, with kick-off at 7.30 pm.
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What did the outgoing owners say?

The outgoing shareholders described the decision to sell Kerala Blasters as difficult, highlighting the special place the club has established among supporters in Kerala and beyond.

They said the club had grown into something much larger than their original effort to build a football team in the state and expressed confidence in the foundations created for its next phase.

The shareholders also said they were leaving behind a stronger club capable of adapting to changes in Indian football.

In their message to the club's players, coaches, staff, partners and supporters, they said: “Kerala Blasters will continue.”

They also thanked the incoming ownership for its professionalism during the takeover process and wished the new group well.

What happens to Kerala Blasters now?

The takeover gives Kerala Blasters a new ownership structure with strong UAE connections, while Ofioh Sporty will handle the club's operational responsibilities.

The immediate focus will be on completing the ownership transition, finalising the squad and preparing for the new ISL season.

Kerala Blasters are set to play 14 matches in the first phase of the 2026-27 ISL campaign, beginning with the October 11 fixture against Inter Kashi.

With Al Fursan taking over and a new operational team set to run the club's day-to-day affairs, the ownership transition marks a new chapter for Kerala Blasters ahead of the upcoming ISL season.