Kerala Blasters announce new ownership as Al Fursan take over club ahead of ISL 2026-27
UAE-based sports and sports-tech consortium signs definitive agreement with Magnum Group; 100% acquisition to be completed over eight months.
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.
Who are Al Fursan?
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Al Fursan is a UAE-based sports and sports-tech consortium focused on investing in, building and operating opportunities across football, sports technology, sports infrastructure, fan economy and related sectors.
Led by Sheikh Ahmad bin Faisal Al Qasimi, with Dr. Dunston Pereira serving as Director, Al Fursan seeks to combine global partnerships, investment, technology and professional sports management to develop high-impact sports platforms and businesses.
How are ISL 2026-27 preparations?
Preparations for the new season are already underway. Players and staff for the upcoming season have been identified and shortlisted, with a series of player announcements expected shortly.
Ashley Westwood will serve as Head Coach of Kerala Blasters FC for the 2026-27 season.
The club’s pre-season preparations will commence at the FC Madras facility in Mahabalipuram from 30 September 2026.
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.
Birbal Sports & Entertainment, led by founders Jitesh Mehta and Ronak Dalal, played an important role in facilitating the transaction and bringing the parties together.
Birbal Sports will continue its association with Kerala Blasters and has been mandated to support player identification and recruitment for the 2026-27 season, working alongside the new ownership and football management.
Who will look after Kerala Blasters operation?
Al Fursan has appointed Ofioh Sports as the operational partner for Kerala Blasters FC.
The operational mandate will be led by Thameem Anwar, CEO of Ofioh, alongside Shararh Kuniyil, Co-Founder of Ofioh.
Ofioh will work under the strategic direction of Al Fursan to support the club’s day-to-day management, operational execution and implementation of the new ownership’s plans.
Also Read: ISL 2026-27: Kerala Blasters FC fixtures for Phase 1
What is next for Kerala Blasters?
The acquisition represents more than a change in ownership. Al Fursan is developing a comprehensive long-term vision for Kerala Blasters under a new initiative titled Project Blasters.
Project Blasters will establish a broader ecosystem around Kerala Blasters, bringing together football, sports technology, commercial ventures, fan engagement, infrastructure, community development and new opportunities around the club’s brand and intellectual property.
The official launch of Project Blasters will take place in the UAE in the coming weeks, where Al Fursan will unveil its long-term vision, strategic roadmap and plans for the future of Kerala Blasters. Further details regarding the UAE launch will be announced separately.
Their presence will mark the beginning of the new chapter and underline Al Fursan’s commitment to the club, its supporters and the football community of Kerala.
Al Fursan’s letter to Kerala Blasters’ fans
Kerala Blasters has built one of India’s most passionate football communities, with a distinctive identity deeply connected to Kerala and its supporters.
Al Fursan intends to preserve and strengthen that identity while investing in the club’s sporting, operational and commercial development.
The consortium’s objective is to build a sustainable and ambitious future for Kerala Blasters while maintaining a strong connection with the supporters and culture that have defined the club.
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