Why did City Football Group pull out of Mumbai City FC? Latest updates on ISL stalemate

Vishal Bhawani

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Why did City Football Group pull out of Mumbai City FC? Latest updates on ISL stalemate image

Indian football is facing one of its most uncertain phases in recent years.

With the Indian Super League (ISL) yet to begin despite the season traditionally starting in September, questions around governance, finances, and long-term planning have grown louder.

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Against this backdrop, City Football Group’s (CFG) decision to step away from Mumbai City FC has triggered fresh debate about the stability of the domestic game and the confidence of global investors in India’s football ecosystem.

Why did City Football Group exit from Mumbai City FC?

According to reports from Khel Now, CFG has formally communicated to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) that it intends to withdraw from Mumbai City FC.

The move is understood to be driven by prolonged uncertainty around Indian football, including the absence of a confirmed ISL calendar, lack of clarity on league operations, and unresolved commercial structures.

Once the process is completed, Mumbai City FC is set to return to full ownership under Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor and businessman Bimal Parekh, who ran the club before CFG acquired a majority stake in 2019.

Sources indicate that day-to-day operations will continue, but CFG’s exit marks the end of one of the most significant foreign investments in Indian club football.

Mumbai City FC released statement on ownership update

The recently released statement said:

"Mumbai City FC (the Club) can confirm that City Football Group Limited (CFG) has divested its shareholding in the Club. The founding owners will assume full control of the organisation moving forward.

Since 2019, CFG and Mumbai City FC have reached new heights — winning two ISL League Winners’ Shields and two ISL Cup titles, strengthening the Club’s football operations, and making meaningful contributions to the growth of the game in India.

CFG has made this decision following a comprehensive commercial review and in light of the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the future of the Indian Super League (ISL). This step reflects CFG’s disciplined and strategic approach — ensuring its focus remains on areas where it can have the greatest long-term impact.

CFG remains proud of the achievements and deeply appreciative of everyone connected to Mumbai City FC — from players and coaches to staff, fans, and partners — for their commitment and passion, and looks forward to continuing its relationships and partnerships in India in the years ahead."

ISL uncertainty and AIFF’s financial concerns

The timing of CFG’s decision is closely linked to broader issues within Indian football. As previously reported, the ISL 2025–26 season has still not kicked off, with no clear start date announced.

The expiry of the long-term commercial agreement between AIFF and Football Sports Development Limited has left the league without a confirmed operational roadmap.

Financial stress has added to the problem. Reports suggest the AIFF is facing a projected deficit by mid-2026, raising concerns about sustainability at the administrative level.

These factors have combined to create an environment where long-term planning has become difficult for clubs and investors alike.

What City Football Group exit means for Indian football

CFG’s exit is widely seen as a warning sign rather than an isolated business decision.

Since acquiring a 65 percent stake in Mumbai City FC, the group introduced structured recruitment, modern analytics, and professional club management.

That approach delivered tangible success, including ISL titles and historic continental achievements.

If a global ownership group with experience across multiple football markets no longer sees stability in India, it raises serious questions about governance and investor confidence.

Unless clarity and trust are restored soon, CFG’s departure could signal deeper challenges ahead for the ISL and Indian football as a whole.

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Staff Writer