ISL: Odisha FC refute relocation rumors

Odisha FC lost some important sponsors during the ongoing 2024-2025 ISL season.

Odisha FC has issued an official statement dismissing recent media reports suggesting the club’s potential relocation from Bhubaneswar as “completely untrue and misleading.” The Indian Super League (ISL) club reaffirmed its commitment to Odisha, emphasizing its strong partnership with the state government and the Sports & Youth Services Department (DSYS).

“Odisha FC remains deeply committed to its roots in Odisha and is proud to represent the people of the state on both national and international stages,” the club stated, putting to rest speculation fueled by select local media outlets.

“Odisha FC remains deeply committed to its roots in Odisha and enjoys a strong and fruitful partnership with the Government of Odisha and the Sports & Youth Services Department (DSYS). We are proud to represent the people of Odisha on the national and international football stage,” it added.

ℹ 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: 𝐎𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐚 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛 💜𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 ➡ https://t.co/OkQCjf3hur#OdishaFC #OdishaForSports

— Odisha FC (@OdishaFC) January 7, 2025

Odisha FC owner Rohan Sharma opens up on challenges

However, Odisha FC are grappling with significant financial uncertainty following the mid-season withdrawal of several key sponsors. Odisha FC owner Rohan Sharma recently took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice his frustrations and provide insight into the challenges of running the club. Sharma revealed that local sponsors, including prominent names like Serajuddin Responsible Mining, Rungta Steel, and Jindal Panthers, withdrew their support after a change in the state government.

Also Read: After Odisha FC lose local sponsorship deals, owner Rohan Sharma reveals challenges ISL club faces

Despite these setbacks, Sharma remains committed to the club and its fans. In a heartfelt series of tweets, he highlighted Odisha FC’s progress under his leadership, including the development of competitive men’s and women’s teams and efforts to invest in youth football. “We’ve built a competitive men’s team, women’s team, and we acknowledge we need to do more in youth,” Sharma wrote, reaffirming his ambition to nurture football talent in Odisha.

Sharma lamented the political shifts that triggered the loss of sponsorship, emphasizing the broader impact of such changes on sports franchises. He expressed frustration over the challenges but maintained that the club is still active in transfer markets and focused on building a team fans can be proud of.

The financial struggles have also led to criticism from some fans, who have called on the club to address the situation more effectively. Responding to fan backlash, Sharma expressed his disappointment but reiterated his dedication to prioritizing the club and its supporters. “It’s always the club + fans first for everyone working at OFC, even if it’s not in my best interest to do so,” he tweeted.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.