ISL 2025-26: CM Mohan Charan Majhi Reaffirms Government Support for Odisha FC and Football at Kalinga Stadium
Odisha FC waits for final clearance to play in Kalinga Stadium.
With the Indian Super League (ISL) season set to kick off, questions around Odisha FC’s home venue have taken centre stage, particularly regarding whether the club will play its home matches at the Kalinga Stadium.
Odisha has long been recognised as one of India’s most supportive states when it comes to sports, with a deep-rooted passion for football among its fans. However, with the new Indian Super League season approaching, questions continue to surface around Odisha FC’s home matches at the Kalinga Stadium.
The issue regarding Odisha FC playing their home game at Kalinga came up recently at a public event, where Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi was asked about the situation. Responding to that, the Chief Minister said:
“I have not received any information or communication regarding this matter so far. However, our priority remains clear — to strengthen and improve the performance of Odisha in Indian football.”
“Going forward, we are committed to investing more deeply in the sport and ensuring that Odisha’s football ecosystem is presented and managed at the highest standard. Any challenges or concerns faced by the team will be addressed proactively. We will extend full support and provide whatever resources and value are required to help the team progress and succeed.”
Odisha FC’s long-running Government tussle
Odisha FC owner Rohan Sharma back in May 2025 expressed his frustration on X over what he termed a lack of support from the Odisha government, stating that the club is likely to fail the AFC club licensing process this season.
He pointed out that the club did not receive any official letter from the state government granting access to the stadium and training facilities for the ongoing season, which directly impacted compliance with licensing requirements.
“I was aware that we were going to fail club licensing this season, Unfortunately, we have no letter from the Government granting us access to the stadium and practice ground this season,” Rohan Sharma wrote, pointing to the absence of official clearance as the core issue.
Sharma also revealed that repeated attempts to engage with the government regarding the MoU went unanswered, despite multiple requests through letters and in-person efforts.
In a bid to resolve the matter, he said he even travelled to Delhi to speak with senior ministers, but the issue remained unresolved.
“Despite multiple requests both in person and letters to have a meeting to discuss the MoU, no one from the government has acknowledged or granted a meeting. I have personally gone (sic) to Delhi to speak to very senior ministers to get this resolved… still nothing.” the post further added.
The Odisha FC owner further admitted that the situation has left him feeling that the club is no longer wanted in the state, describing the experience as deeply disappointing.
“It feels like the government doesn’t want us in Odisha which is quite sad. We have tried to be as polite and respectful to build bridges…There is this perceived notion we are Pro-BJD when in reality we are so uninvolved in Indian politics. I’m an American citizen, our business is in Dubai we just have a football club in India that we are investing,” Rohan Sharma’s X post stated.
Odisha’s Tentative fixtures of ISL 2025-26 are out
The tentative fixtures for the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025–26 season have been released, with Odisha FC scheduled to play a total of 13 matches in the campaign.
The Juggernauts are set to feature in 6 home games and 7 away games, as they look to get their season underway on familiar footing. Odisha FC is slated to begin their campaign with a home clash against Punjab FC on February 16.
However, despite the fixtures being announced, final clarity on the venue remains awaited. Confirmation regarding the use of the Kalinga Stadium for Odisha FC’s home matches is still pending, leaving a key question unanswered as the season draws closer. Fans and stakeholders will be keenly watching for an official update in the coming days.
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Ayushman Sharma is a sports enthusiast with a deep love for football, following the game closely since 2018. A hardcore supporter of NorthEast United FC and FC Barcelona, he has also gained valuable on-ground experience by volunteering during FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in Guwahati.