Football giant CFG ends deal with Mumbai City

Panaji: Mumbai City FC have informed the All India Football Federation (AIFF) that its parent company has entered into a sale and purchase agreement with the City Football Group (CFG) where the group will sell its shareholding of the club to Mumbai City Football India Pvt Ltd.

CFG, the world’s leading private owner and operator of football clubs with 13 football clubs across five continents, including Manchester City FC — had entered into a partnership with Mumbai City in November 2019. The group became majority shareholder with 65% shares while actor Ranbir Kapoor and businessman Bimal Parekh combined to hold the remaining 35% of shares.


CFG’s exit from Mumbai City comes at a time when Indian football has come to a standstill. Mumbai started their preparations late this season and hesitatingly took part in the Super Cup where they were knocked out in the semifinals by eventual champions FC Goa. The club has not made an official statement.

The agreement between All India Football Federation (AIFF) and its commercial partner, Reliance-subsidiary FSDL ended early this month. The absence of a new commercial partner and a failed tender has left a huge question mark over the future of the top-tier league.

“CFG’s 65% shares have been purchased by Mumbai City’s parent company,” a source told TOI on Wednesday. “The AIFF was informed about this sale as part of the club licensing requirements. The regulations state that the federation must provide its written consent.”

Since CFG’s partnership with Mumbai City, the club has won the ISL Shield and Trophy twice. All three Mumbai coaches under the group — Sergio Lobera, Des Buckingham and Petr Kratky — have had success during their time in India, winning trophies and playing an attractive brand of football.

The club has several national players like captain Lallianzuala Chhangte, Akash Mishra, Brandon Fernandes, Valpuia and Vikram Partap Singh, while foreign players like Tiri, Jorge Ortiz, Jorge Pereyra Diaz and Jon Toral are all established names.




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