Al Fursan Takes Over Kerala Blasters as New Era Begins

UAE-based sports and sports-tech consortium Al Fursan, led by Sheikh Ahmad bin Faisal Al Qasimi, announced in Kochi on Tuesday that it has acquired Kerala Blasters FC from Magnum Group. The consortium signed a definitive agreement for 100% of the club and will take charge from the 2026-27 season. The announcement follows months of uncertainty over the club’s future. Days earlier, a new company called Project Blasters Private Limited was registered in Bengaluru. Al Fursan plans a long-term vision under an initiative also titled Project Blasters, covering football, sports technology, commercial ventures, fan engagement, infrastructure and community development. A launch event in the UAE is due in the coming weeks. On the pitch, Ashley Westwood will be head coach for the new season, with pre-season starting at the FC Madras facility in Mahabalipuram. More player signings are expected shortly. CEO Abhik Chatterjee called it an important moment in the club’s history and urged fans to keep backing the team. The Blasters open their campaign away to Inter Kashi FC on October 11, with the first home game against Mumbai City FC on October 25 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi.