Kerala Blasters Enter New Era As UAE-Based Al Fursan Agrees To Acquire ISL Club

Kerala Blasters FC is set for a change in ownership after UAE-based sports and sports-tech consortium Al Fursan, led by Sheikh Ahmad bin Faisal Al Qasimi, announced an agreement to acquire the Indian Super League club from the Magnum Group.

Under the definitive agreement, Al Fursan will take 100 per cent ownership of the club in phases over the next eight months. The transition is expected to be completed towards the end of the 2026-27 season, subject to regulatory approvals and requirements of the league.

The new ownership is set to take charge of the club's operations from the 2026-27 season, with preparations for the campaign already underway. Players and staff have been identified and shortlisted, while further announcements on signings are expected in the coming days.

Ashley Westwood will continue as head coach for the 2026-27 season. The team's pre-season preparations are scheduled to begin on Wednesday at the FC Madras facility in Mahabalipuram.

"The immediate focus of the new ownership and management is to provide the football department with the structure, resources and support required to prepare competitively for the season ahead," Al Fursan said in a statement.

Kerala Blasters CEO Abhik Chatterjee described the transition as an important new chapter in the club's history and thanked the players, coaches, staff and supporters associated with the previous ownership.

He also urged the club's large fan base to continue backing the team as it enters a new phase.

"A lot of exciting things, I think, are planned for the future," Chatterjee said, while calling on supporters to get behind the team during the transition.

The transaction was facilitated by Birbal Sports & Entertainment, founded by Jitesh Mehta and Ronak Dalal. The company will continue to assist Kerala Blasters with player identification and recruitment for the upcoming season.

Al Fursan has also appointed Ofioh Sporty as its operational partner for the club, adding another layer to the new management structure as Kerala Blasters prepare for the next ISL campaign.