Kerala United FC: Calicut club renamed after United World Group takeover

The parent company of Premier League outfit Sheffield United officially announced the takeover of Quartz FC on Friday.

United World Group, the owners of Premier League club Sheffield United, have recently announced the takeover of an India-based club. Calicut Quartz FC, who used to play in the 2nd Division League have been rebranded as Kerala United FC, after the Group bought 100% shares of the club.

Owned by Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, the group is based in Geneva, Switzerland and are a chain of sports clubs around Europe and Asia. Apart from Sheffield United, they own Belgian Pro League club Beerschot and Dubai-based UAE second division club Al-Hilal United. Kerala United FC will be the fourth club in their roster. Their philosophy includes youth development and entertaining fans, on and off the pitch.

Passion for the game and the mass volume of spectators are the important aspects which attracted them to this takeover, stated United World in an official press release. They aspire to make Kerala United a dominant force in Indian football in the future, with added focus on professionalism. “Our vision is to make Kerala United a competitive, community-based football club playing at the highest level of Indian football. Through hard work, commitment and unrivaled support from our fans, we are confident of achieving great things. Our focus will be on cementing and strengthening the foundation of the club, building an academy and developing home grown players,” quoted United World Group CEO Al-Ghamdi.

ALSO READ: Roy Krishna winner as ATKMB edge Kerala Blasters in opener

Kerala has been a hotbed for footballing talent in India for a long time and the UWG are well aware of this fact. With the added emphasis on youth development and home grown talent, the youngsters from Kerala will also get the opportunity to train and develop themselves in a professional environment.

As stated earlier, Kerala United will join Premier League club Sheffield United, Belgian club Beerschot and UAE club Al-Hilal united as an important member of the United World Group. Kerala United’s management will be composed of Indian managers, but will underline the philosophies of the Group. The multinational management team will provide assistance and support in every field. “With the support of the Kerala community and local authorities, we are confident that we will be able to achieve our ambitious goals and make Kerala United FC a success story for both the United Group and the local community,” Al-Ghamdi added.

Nicknamed as the Hornbills, the newly-branded club will play in the 2nd Division League next season after their bid for promotion to I-League was rejected.