CFG Divests from Mumbai City FC After Successful Partnership

The recent decision marks the conclusion of a five-year partnership that commenced in November 2019, when City Football Group (CFG) acquired a 65% stake in Mumbai City FC. This acquisition was widely regarded as a transformative development for Indian football, indicating increasing global confidence in the nation’s top-tier league. Under CFG’s stewardship, Mumbai City FC emerged as a dominant force in the Indian Super League (ISL) era, securing two ISL League Shields and two ISL Cup titles, affirming their position as a consistent contender.

In a detailed statement regarding the divestment, CFG clarified that the decision was made after a thorough commercial review, influenced by the ongoing uncertainties surrounding the ISL.

The statement outlined: “Mumbai City FC (the Club) can confirm that City Football Group Limited (CFG) has divested its shareholding in the Club. The founding owners will take full control of the organization moving forward. Since 2019, CFG and Mumbai City FC have reached new heights, winning two ISL League Winners’ Shields and two ISL Cup titles, fortifying the Club’s football operations, and contributing significantly to the growth of the game in India.”

“CFG’s decision follows a comprehensive commercial review and is in direct response to the prevailing uncertainties surrounding the future of the Indian Super League (ISL). This move demonstrates CFG’s disciplined and strategic outlook, ensuring its focus remains on areas where it can exert the most significant long-term impact. CFG expresses pride in the accomplishments achieved during this partnership and gratitude to all associated with Mumbai City FC—from players and coaches to staff, fans, and partners—for their dedication and passion. CFG looks forward to maintaining its relationships and partnerships in India in the future.”

The backdrop to CFG’s exit highlights a league currently facing administrative challenges. The 2025–26 ISL season, initially anticipated to commence in September, has been postponed due to a breakdown in negotiations between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the league’s commercial partner for the past decade. Following FSDL’s withdrawal, the Supreme Court authorized the AIFF to issue a tender for new bidders to manage the league, but this process failed to generate any bids, casting further doubt on the league’s immediate future and financial sustainability.

Efforts made by ISL clubs to propose a resolution by seeking operational control of the league were rejected by the AIFF, led by Kalyan Chaubey, who opted to establish a committee to review the situation instead. Some officials within the federation reportedly suggested that the clubs’ proposal be dismissed entirely, with the AIFF assuming responsibility for both the ISL and I-League. This stalemate has left players, staff, and investors in a state of uncertainty regarding the commencement of the upcoming season. For CFG, whose global model emphasizes stability and long-term planning, the lack of clarity appears to have been a pivotal factor in their decision.

Founders Kapoor and Parekh now regain full control of the club, inheriting an organization that has achieved unprecedented success but faces an unpredictable domestic environment. Without CFG’s support, Mumbai City FC will increasingly depend on local stewardship at a time when confidence in the ISL is tenuous.

Following a slow start to the campaign, Mumbai City FC has gained momentum in the title race and is currently just two points behind leaders Arsenal. After a recent victory against West Ham, they are set to face Nottingham Forest on Saturday at the City Ground.