A Sudden Exit That Shakes Indian Football: Mumbai City FC has formally informed the All India Football Federation (AIFF) of a major ownership restructuring, confirming that City Football Group (CFG) has decided to step away from the club. The development was communicated in writing to the federation in the week leading up to Christmas, marking the end of a high-profile association that began in November 2019.
The news arrives at a turbulent time for Indian football, with the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025–26 season still on hold, no confirmed league calendar, and financial and governance issues pushing stakeholders into uncertainty.
Ownership Returns to Ranbir Kapoor & Bimal Parekh
With CFG’s exit, Mumbai City FC is set to return entirely to its original Indian owners, Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor and businessman Bimal Parekh, through Mumbai City Football India Pvt Ltd.
Club officials have stated that day-to-day operations remain unaffected, with the first team continuing to train under head coach Petr Kratky. A club representative also attended AIFF’s meeting in New Delhi on Wednesday to discuss possible models for restarting the league.
Why City Football Group Decided to Exit
CFG entered Indian football with a vision to elevate club infrastructure, scouting networks, and on-field philosophy, integrating Mumbai City FC into its global ecosystem that includes Manchester City, Girona, New York City FC, Melbourne City, and Yokohama.
However, the current environment surrounding Indian football made continued investment difficult.
Key factors include:
1. ISL Has Not Started Even by Late December
The absence of league matches for over eight months has broken the competitive cycle and affected revenue streams for all clubs.
2. AIFF–FSDL Agreement Expired on December 8, 2025
The expired agreement left the league without an operational and commercial framework.
A Supreme Court restriction prevented AIFF from entering new commercial deals in time, deepening the crisis.
3. No Broadcasters or Investors Coming Forward
A tender process for the league’s commercial rights failed to attract any bidders, signaling a severe decline in market confidence.
4. Governance Instability & Financial Stress
AIFF is facing financial strain, with clubs unsure of long-term structure, competition format, or revenue models.
In such a climate, CFG concluded that maintaining a majority stake in an ISL club was no longer feasible.
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CFG’s Legacy at Mumbai City FC
Despite the exit, CFG leaves behind an impressive footprint.
Achievements under CFG (2019–2025)
| Season | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 2020–21 | League Winners’ Shield + ISL Cup (historic double) |
| 2022–23 | League Winners’ Shield after 18-match unbeaten run |
| 2023–24 | ISL Cup champions |
| Continental Impact | First Indian club to win an AFC Champions League match |
Mumbai City FC became one of the most decorated ISL clubs through an analytical, possession-based system inspired by the Manchester City model.
Indian Football at a Crossroads
CFG’s departure is seen as a warning signal for the current structural problems in Indian football.
AIFF’s Bank Balance & Financial Pressure
- AIFF reportedly has ₹19.89 crore in its account
- Expected expenditure until May 2026: ₹50.48 crore
- The federation faces a projected deficit exceeding ₹23 crore
League Revival Efforts Underway
In the meeting held on December 25, AIFF proposed two possible formats for the 2025–26 season:
Proposed ISL Formats
| Format Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Two-Zone Format | 14 teams split into two zones; matches in two host cities (likely Kolkata & Goa), followed by knockouts |
| Single-Leg League | Each team plays a fixed number of away matches; travel costs reduced |
Clubs will meet again on Friday to finalize the structure.
Broadcasters will be approached once the format is fixed.
Future of Mumbai City FC
Short-Term Outlook
- Training continues uninterrupted
- Ownership transition expected to complete smoothly
- Coaching structure remains stable for now
Long-Term Challenges
- Loss of CFG’s global scouting and analytics
- Reduced international expertise in operations
- Potential impact on player recruitment and competitiveness
Still, the return of full Indian ownership may offer stability if the club navigates this phase carefully.
CFG’s withdrawal is more than a boardroom decision—it reflects deep concerns over transparency, governance, financial security, and the future structure of Indian football. Unless decisive reforms take shape quickly, more international investors may step back, and domestic clubs may face long-term instability.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did City Football Group exit Mumbai City FC?
They stepped away due to ongoing uncertainty in Indian football, including lack of league clarity, governance instability, and commercial challenges.
2. Who owns Mumbai City FC now?
The club will return fully to Ranbir Kapoor and Bimal Parekh.
3. Does the exit affect team training or players?
No, operations remain normal, and players continue training under the current coaching staff.
4. Will the ISL 2025–26 season take place?
AIFF is discussing two possible formats, but no official start date has been announced yet.
5. Did CFG succeed during its tenure with Mumbai City FC?
Yes, Mumbai City FC won multiple titles and achieved strong international milestones during CFG’s ownership.
6. Is Indian football facing a crisis?
The prolonged delay of ISL, financial strain, and loss of investors indicate significant structural challenges.
