City Football Group (CFG) has divested its shareholding in Mumbai City FC, returning the Indian Super League (ISL) side to full control of its founding owners. “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,” the club said in a statement posted on X. CFG’s exit comes at a precarious moment for Indian football, with the future of the ISL itself clouded by uncertainty.
The group said its decision followed “a comprehensive commercial review and in light of the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the future of the Indian Super League (ISL).” It added that the move reflected CFG’s “disciplined and strategic approach ensuring its focus remains on areas where it can have the greatest long-term impact.” The purchase of a 65% share of Mumbai City FC in November 2019 by the Manchester City-owning conglomerate was a watershed moment in ambition, professionalism, and globalising the club.
The club experienced the greatest success during its six-year relationship with CFG. “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,” the statement read.
City Football Group (CFG) transformed Mumbai City FC through a data‑driven recruitment model and professionalized football operations management. Their impact was immediate: in the 2020‑21 season, the club made history by winning both the ISL League Winners’ Shield and the ISL Cup — becoming the first team to complete the double in a single campaign.
Mumbai City FC added a second Shield in 2022‑23, remaining unbeaten across 18 league matches, another ISL first. The club also became the first Indian side to win an AFC Champions League fixture, a landmark achievement for Indian football on the continental stage. CFG stated it was “proud of the achievements” and “deeply appreciative of everyone connected to Mumbai City FC — from players and coaches to staff, fans, and partners,” while affirming its intent to “continue relationships and partnerships in India in the years ahead.”
With CFG’s exit, full ownership of Mumbai City FC has reverted to actor Ranbir Kapoor and business tycoon Bimal Parekh. The development is a setback for Indian football, compounding the ISL’s uncertainty with no confirmed calendar, unresolved commercial contracts between franchises, and an ongoing governance deadlock.
