"Our only objective is to win the trophy": Kerala Blasters FC's new management addresses the media after takeover
Al Fursan Group has completed a 100% takeover of Kerala Blasters FC.
Al Fursan, a UAE-based sports and sports-tech consortium led by Sheikh Ahmad bin Faisal Al Qasimi, today announces the signing of a definitive agreement for the acquisition of Kerala Blasters Football Club (KBFC).
Under the definitive agreement signed with Magnum Group, Al Fursan will acquire 100% ownership of Kerala Blasters FC over the course of eight months, subject to the terms of the agreement and applicable regulatory and league requirements.
The new ownership will assume responsibility for the club from the 2026-27 season, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Kerala Blasters.
On the 29th of September, the new management of Kerala Blasters FC addressed the media. Ronak Dalal, Jithesh Mehta (Birbal Sports), Sharat Kuniyil (Ofioh Sports), Abhik Chatterjee (CEO, Kerala Blasters FC), Antony Dunston, and Thameem Anwar (Ofioh Sports) were the attendees at the conference.
Here is a detailed report on the press conference conducted by Kerala Blasters FC’s new management.
On the upcoming season
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When asked whether Blasters will have enough time to sign all the players and complete their preparations ahead of the upcoming season, which is scheduled to start on the 10th, Abhik Chatterjee answered that there will be no lack of intent from the club and Ashley’s comeback as the head coach will help the players push themselves and perform at their best level.
“So, I would preface it in this manner. I don’t think there’ll be any shortage of intent to try and win games. But obviously, we have to be a little practical. Like you said, that’s the one fact is they have less time to prepare.But I definitely feel that, like you mentioned, Ashley’s back this season as our head coach. And I feel with him at the helm, he’s somebody who always tries to push the team to do its best, regardless of what the outcome is.”
“I’m sure there will be no shortage of intent to go in and do well this season. So there is a clear message from our side that we have to go out there and try and do our best to perform. And then see where we end up. But the intent is definitely there to try and do our very, very best.”
Will the opening match of Blasters be postponed?
Blasters and Inter Kashi both have not started their preseason as of now, and both sides are set to face each other on the 11th of October, which is less than two weeks away. Citing this, there were speculations floating that the opening fixture of Kerala Blasters FC would be postponed to a different date.
When asked about this, Abhik Chatterjee answered.
Also Read: Kerala Blasters announce new ownership as Al Fursan take over club ahead of ISL 2026-27
“I think that would be unfair to the other teams if you’re looking at the entire competition. Because as you know, this is the first season where the clubs have the ownership of the league. And the clubs are the ones that are taking the decision. So obviously, the majority have started on time and thereby would, you know, there are certain dates that they have agreed to. So, you know, we’ll have to turn up and then try and do our best. So I don’t think there’s any chance for post-movement.”
About foreign players and Ashley Westwood
When asked about the foreign players and Ashley Westwood, Abhik replied that Ashley is set to continue as the head coach and will reach Chennai tomorrow for training. As far as the foreigners are concerned, Adrian Luna will stay with the Blasters, and an update regarding the other players will be given in the next 48 hours.
“So there is a shortlist, obviously. As you would know, we’ve had to start a bit late, but obviously we would make up the full complement of six players. So that process is underway. So we’ll add Adrian as well. So all other updates, like I said, subject to certain agreements being signed as well. Yeah, I think you need to wait for 48 to 72 hours (for the final squad list.”
“I think you don’t have to wait long. I think in the next few days, you’ll start finding out as and when we close the paperwork for it. But yeah, there’ll be quite a few updates. You’ll have to wait for 48 hours, I think. Ashley is already on the flight and will land in Chennai tomorrow,” said Abhik
“Ashley Westwood has checked in on the flight. You can check his Instagram story. He has given us a list of players; you don’t have to worry about anything. We have come here with one objective, and the objective is to win the trophy. I was also a fan of this club, and I will make use of this opportunity to the maximum,” said Thameem.
Why train at the FC Madras facility?
“I think there are certain logistical issues. I think you also want to be in a place where the coach is able to be distraction-free. Obviously, we know that when we are in Kochi, there would be a lot of inquisitiveness and that. But since we’ve got only seven days, and because he also needs to understand very quickly what the squad will look like, etc., just to be a little isolated so that they can focus, more or less, for multiple reasons.”
“But also the makeup of the facilities there is, you have your training ground, staying facilities, cafeteria, everything in one place.Just makes it really easier for this period. So it’s a mix of certain logistical and tactical decisions which have contributed to this.”
Will Blasters play in Calicut or Malappuram?
Last season, there were plans that Blasters might play a game or two at Calicut or Malappuram. When asked if Blasters would consider playing at different venues, Abhik Chatterjee and Thameem answered.
“I think it’s too soon to say that. This season, obviously, because we’re starting so late, offers us less flexibility in that regard. So I think we’ll keep it pretty straightforward this season. The endeavour is obviously to be in JLN. But I think that is something for the future. We’ll look at it after the season goes because of the paucity of time, and we do not have the flexibility to plan that at this late stage. So maybe later, but not for now, at least not this season,” said Abhik Chatterjee
“As of now, we have fixed playing the whole season at JLN Kochi. But for the fans in Malabar, we will play a few friendly matches at the Malabar region. We actually have a plan to build a new stadium; once the announcement of Project Blasters is made, you will get more updates,” said Thameem Anwar.
Who is the new owner of Kerala Blasters FC?
Kerala Blasters FC are now owned by Al Fursan Sports Investment, a UAE-based sports-tech consortium led by Sheikh Ahmed bin Faisal Al Qassimi.
Who is Sheikh Ahmed bin Faisal Al Qassimi?
Sheikh Ahmed bin Faisal Al Qassimi is a member of the Al Qasimi royal family of the UAE and a businessman with interests across real estate, hospitality, financial services, manufacturing, and other sectors.
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