UAE-based Al Fursan officially becomes owner of Kerala Blasters
Thiruvananthapuram, September 29, 2026 — UAE-based sports and sports-tech consortium Al Fursan has officially become the owner of Indian Super League club Kerala Blasters, signing a definitive agreement to acquire 100% shares of the club from the Magnum group.
The acquisition will be completed in phases over the next eight months during the 2026-27 season and has been structured so as not to disrupt the club’s operations. Al Fursan is led by Sheikh Ahmed bin Faisal Al Qaismi, described in the announcement as a member of the ruling royal family of the UAE. Kerala-based sports management firm Ofioh Sporty has been appointed as the club’s operational partner, with its CEO Thameem Anwar and co-founder Sharath Kuniyil overseeing day-to-day affairs.
Kerala Blasters CEO Abhik Chatterjee was shown at the announcement alongside Ronak Dalal, Jithesh Mehta (Birbal Sports), Sharat Kuniyil (Ofioh Sports), Antony Dunston and Thameem Anwar, in a photograph credited to Thulasi Kakkat. The club posted details of the transaction and personnel on its social channels following the signing.
“The club is in safe hands,” said Anwar. “The incoming ownership shares our belief in what Kerala Blasters represent and will carry the club forward with the ambition, care and respect it deserves. We would like to thank them for their thoughtfulness and professionalism throughout the process and wish them the very best for the journey ahead,” said Blasters on an Instagram post.
Ashley Westwood will remain as the head coach for the upcoming season. The team’s training camp will begin in Chennai on Wednesday, and the club said the full squad announcement is expected to be made this week.
Al Fursan’s takeover and the appointment of Ofioh Sporty as operational partner come ahead of Kerala Blasters’ opening Indian Super League fixture on October 11 and their first home match on October 25 at the Jawaharlal Nehru International stadium against Mumbai FC.
The immediate practical steps for the club are the start of the Chennai training camp this week and the squad announcement, with competitive action resuming for Kerala Blasters on October 11 against Inter Kashi and the first home fixture scheduled for October 25.
