Kerala Blasters confirm 100% sale, UAE-based group linked to takeover

Kerala Blasters have completed a major ownership change as Magnum Sports conclude the club's complete sale to a new group reportedly led by UAE-based Al Fursan Sports Investment. The transition will unfold through the 2026-27 season.Kerala Blasters enter a new era after Magnum Sports agree to sell the ISL club. (Photo: PTI)New Delhi,Sep 29, 2026 19:42 ISTKerala Blasters FC have confirmed that their current owners, Magnum Sports Private Limited, have entered into a definitive agreement for the 100 per cent sale of the Indian Super League club. The club has not officially named the incoming owners, although multiple reports have linked the takeover to a UAE-based consortium led by Sheikh Ahmed bin Faisal Al Qassimi.The ownership transfer will be completed in phases through the 2026-27 season, Kerala Blasters said. All club operations and commitments to partners and supporters will continue without disruption, with the incoming group gradually taking over day-to-day operations and its identity to be announced "in due course"."The transaction and transfer of ownership will be completed in phases through the 2026/27 season," Kerala Blasters said in their official statement."All club operations and commitments to its partners and supporters will continue without disruption through this period, with the incoming ownership group taking over all day-to-day operations." Multiple reports have identified Sheikh Ahmed bin Faisal Al Qassimi, a member of the Sharjah ruling family and businessman, as the key figure behind the prospective takeover. Reports have also linked the investment to Al Fursan Sports Investment, although neither the company name nor Al Qassimi's ownership has been formally confirmed by Kerala Blasters. Manorama reported that a consortium led by Al Qassimi was set to acquire the club.OUTGOING OWNERS BID FAREWELLThe outgoing shareholders described Kerala Blasters as a journey that grew into something much larger than their initial attempt to build a football club in the state. They acknowledged the difficulty of the decision while expressing confidence in what has been built. "The decision to sell the club was not an easy one," the shareholders said, adding that it came "after considerable thought and with a deep understanding of what Kerala Blasters means to the people who have made it what it is."They also said the club had been left with strong foundations for its next phase. "We leave knowing that we have built a stronger club, with solid foundations that will allow Kerala Blasters to embrace the changes ahead in Indian football and continue to grow," the statement said.WHO IS BEHIND THE REPORTED DEALAl Qassimi is a UAE businessman and member of the Sharjah ruling family. Reports have described his wider business interests as extending across sectors including real estate, oil and gas, financial services and manufacturing. The reported Kerala Blasters project is understood to have a wider focus on football investment, including academies and grassroots development.The reported takeover would represent a complete exit for Magnum Sports rather than a minority investment. Kerala Blasters, however, have not yet publicly confirmed the name of Al Fursan Sports Investment or formally identified Al Qassimi as their incoming owner.OWNERSHIP CHANGES ACROSS ISLKerala Blasters' transition comes after other ISL clubs have gone through major ownership changes. Hyderabad FC's sporting licence was acquired by Jindal Football Private Limited, part of the Delhi-based BC Jindal Group, in 2024, before the club later relocated to New Delhi and was rebranded as Sporting Club Delhi.Jamshedpur FC underwent another significant transition in August 2026. Tata Steel transferred its entire 100 per cent stake in Jamshedpur Football and Sporting Private Limited to Goa-based Churchill Brothers Sports Club Private Limited for a nominal consideration of Rs 100. The transaction included the ISL sporting licence and contracts of 12 players and two coaches.- Ends