Man City owners abandon Mumbai City FC as league faces uncertainty | OneFootball

City Football Group (CFG) have withdrawn from Mumbai City FC, ending a six-year partnership due to uncertainty surrounding the Indian Super League (ISL).

The multi-club ownership group, which counts Manchester City as its flagship asset, confirmed it has divested its shareholding in the Indian club following a commercial review.

CFG cited the ISL’s unresolved future as the decisive factor behind the move.

The league remains on hold after the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) failed to renew the Master Rights Agreement.

The agreement, which expired in December, underpins FSDL’s authority to operate and commercialise the competition.

The 2025-26 ISL season was scheduled to begin in September, but has not yet been formally launched due to a contractual impasse.

The AIFF acknowledged in July it could not proceed with the new season without clarity on FSDL’s continuing rights.

The prolonged uncertainty has left clubs, players and investors in limbo, with no confirmed timeline for resolution.

CFG acquired a controlling stake in Mumbai City FC in 2019, marking one of its most high-profile expansions into Asian football.

During their tenure, Mumbai City won two ISL League Shields and two ISL Cup titles. The club also represented India twice in the AFC Champions League, raising its profile beyond the domestic game.

Mumbai City FC confirmed that its founding owners, Ranbir Kapoor and Bimal Parekh, will assume full operational control.

The club said the decision reflected CFG’s strategic focus on areas where it can deliver long-term impact.

CFG expressed pride in the progress made at Mumbai City and appreciation for everyone connected to the club.

They also stated their intention to maintain relationships and partnerships in India despite stepping away from direct ownership.

The ISL operates under a franchise-style ownership model similar to the Indian Premier League in cricket.

Mumbai City were one of the original teams formed ahead of the league’s inaugural season in 2014.

CFG’s involvement was widely viewed as a major endorsement of Indian football’s commercial potential.

Their exit is likely to increase scrutiny of the ISL’s governance and stability at a critical moment.

Despite the withdrawal, City Football Group continue to operate an extensive global network of clubs.

That portfolio includes Man City, Girona, Troyes, New York City FC and Melbourne City, among others.

The group remains active across Europe, the Americas, Asia and Australia.