Sheikh Ahmed bin Faisal Al Qassimi leads UAE consortium that has acquired Kerala Blasters
Kerala Blasters FC were acquired on 29 September 2026 by Al Fursan Sports Investment, a UAE-based sports-tech consortium led by Sheikh Ahmed bin Faisal Al Qassimi. The takeover ends a decade of ownership by Magnum Sports and returns Gulf-based investment to the Indian game.
The acquisition was executed through Al Fursan, which describes itself as focused on investing in and operating opportunities across football, sports technology, sports infrastructure, and the fan economy. Al Fursan says it will pursue a long-term initiative around the club under the name "Project Blasters." The consortium’s involvement follows the departure of another Gulf investor, with the City Football Group having exited Mumbai City FC.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Faisal Al Qassimi belongs to the Al Qasimi royal family, one of the ruling families of the United Arab Emirates that governs both Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah. He was born in Sharjah in January 1980 and completed his education between Sharjah and Dubai. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the Royal Military Sandhurst College in 2003.
His business career began in 2012 when he joined his brother in real estate, purchasing hotels in the United Kingdom and the United States. He has built a diversified portfolio through the Al Qassimi Group of Companies with interests spanning real estate, oil and gas, financial services, manufacturing, and hospitality. Sheikh Ahmed also serves as chairman of several private companies and founded the Royal Private Office of Sheikh Ahmed Bin Faisal Al Qassimi to support local and international businesses in the UAE.
Al Fursan’s "Project Blasters" is described by the consortium as a comprehensive, long-term plan to build an ecosystem around the club, covering football operations, sports technology, commercial ventures, fan engagement, infrastructure, community development, and opportunities around the club’s brand and intellectual property. The new ownership has also hinted at plans to construct a new home stadium, signalling ambitions beyond the current Kaloor Stadium arrangement. Sheikh Ahmed is additionally noted in the consortium’s materials as a football fan.
The takeover was framed in the coverage as a support for Indian football’s commercial prospects, with commentary that "It represents a significant vote of confidence in Indian football’s commercial potential at a time when the league’s financial structure remains uncertain." As the outgoing owners put it, “Kerala Blasters will continue. And that is the part of this journey that matters most”.
An official launch event for Project Blasters is planned in the UAE in the coming weeks. At that event Al Fursan will unveil its strategic roadmap for the club.
