Man City Pull The Plug On Mumbai City FC: Owners Cut Ties With Club As ISL Uncertainty Grows

Mumbai City FC stare down a dark path now (Credit: X)

City Football Group have pulled the plug on Indian football.

Manchester City’s owners have officially exited Mumbai City FC, ending a five-year partnership amid growing uncertainty over the future of the Indian Super League.

In a statement, CFG said the move followed a “comprehensive commercial review” and reflected its focus on markets where it can make a “long-term impact.”

Translation: too much uncertainty, not enough clarity.

CFG have sold their entire 65% stake, returning full control of the club to founding owners Ranbir Kapoor and Bimal Parekh.

CFG’s arrival in 2019 was a landmark moment for Indian football, bringing global credibility to the ISL. On the pitch, the partnership delivered instant success: two ISL League Shields and two ISL Cup titles, cementing Mumbai City FC as one of the league’s dominant forces.

But the wider ecosystem has crumbled. The 2025–26 ISL season, due to kick off in September, remains suspended after the AIFF failed to reach a renewal agreement with long-time commercial partner FSDL. With FSDL stepping away and no bidders emerging in a Supreme Court-approved auction, the league’s future is hanging by a thread.

Even a proposal from ISL clubs to self-run the league has stalled, with AIFF officials publicly divided on the way forward. That instability proved decisive.

In short, CFG’s exit is a major red flag — and a sobering reminder — for Indian football.