Kerala Blasters’ new owners pledge trophy aim after takeover; management holds media briefing on Sept 29
Al Fursan’s newly appointed management for Kerala Blasters FC held a press conference on 29 September after signing a definitive agreement to acquire the club, and said their single objective is to win the trophy. “We have come here with one objective, and the objective is to win the trophy. I was also a fan of this club, and I will make use of this opportunity to the maximum,” said Thameem Anwar.
Al Fursan, a UAE-based sports and sports-tech consortium led by Sheikh Ahmad bin Faisal Al Qasimi, has signed a definitive agreement with Magnum Group to acquire 100% ownership of Kerala Blasters FC over the course of eight months, subject to the terms of the agreement and applicable regulatory and league requirements. The new ownership will assume responsibility for the club from the 2026-27 season. Attendees at the conference included Ronak Dalal, Jithesh Mehta (Birbal Sports), Sharat Kuniyil (Ofioh Sports), Abhik Chatterjee (CEO, Kerala Blasters FC), Antony Dunston and Thameem Anwar (Ofioh Sports).
Asked about preparation time ahead of the season that is scheduled to start on the 10th, Abhik Chatterjee said there would be no shortage of intent from the club and highlighted the return of Ashley Westwood as head coach. “I don’t think there’ll be any shortage of intent to try and win games... Ashley’s back this season as our head coach. And I feel with him at the helm, he’s somebody who always tries to push the team to do its best, regardless of what the outcome is,” Abhik said.
With Kerala Blasters and Inter Kashi yet to begin preseason and set to meet on 11 October, there had been speculation about postponing the opening fixture; Abhik rejected that possibility. “I think that would be unfair to the other teams if you’re looking at the entire competition... So I don’t think there’s any chance for post-movement,” he said, noting that clubs collectively agreed dates for the season.
On squad composition and foreign signings, Abhik confirmed Ashley Westwood will continue as head coach and is due to arrive in Chennai the following day to begin training preparations. He said Adrian Luna will remain with the club and that there is “a shortlist” to complete the full complement of six foreign players, with further updates subject to paperwork. “You’ll have to wait for 48 to 72 hours (for the final squad list,” Abhik added, and later said, “Ashley is already on the flight and will land in Chennai tomorrow.”
Thameem reiterated the coaching arrival and reassured supporters about the recruitment process while restating the ownership’s objective. “Ashley Westwood has checked in on the flight. You can check his Instagram story. He has given us a list of players; you don’t have to worry about anything. We have come here with one objective, and the objective is to win the trophy,” he said.
Management explained the decision to base short-term preparations away from Kochi, citing logistical reasons and the need for a distraction-free environment during a condensed build-up. “I think there are certain logistical issues... just to be a little isolated so that they can focus, more or less, for multiple reasons,” the management said, adding that consolidated facilities — training ground, staying facilities and cafeteria in one place — made the chosen location preferable for this period.
On the question of playing at alternative venues this season, Abhik said late preparations limit flexibility and the club will “keep it pretty straightforward this season,” with an endeavour to be at JLN. Thameem added that “As of now, we have fixed playing the whole season at JLN Kochi. But for the fans in Malabar, we will play a few friendly matches at the Malabar region. We actually have a plan to build a new stadium; once the announcement of Project Blasters is made, you will get more updates,” he said.
Al Fursan Sports Investment’s leader is identified in the club statement as Sheikh Ahmad bin Faisal Al Qasimi, and the conference materials also describe Sheikh Ahmed bin Faisal Al Qassimi as a member of the Al Qasimi royal family of the UAE and a businessman with interests across real estate, hospitality, financial services, manufacturing, and other sectors. The new owners will assume responsibility from the 2026-27 season, and the club said it will provide further squad and signing updates within the next 48 to 72 hours.
