UAE Royal Family Member Sheikh Ahmed bin Faisal Al Qassimi Set to Become Kerala Blasters Shareholder
Sheikh Ahmed bin Faisal Al Qassimi of the UAE Royal Family is set to become a shareholder of Kerala Blasters, alongside other prominent investors, in what is being described as a landmark moment for the Indian Super League club. A new consortium has been registered, with the first tranche of funds already deposited, and an official announcement is expected anytime soon. According to journalist Ashish Negi, new investors have transferred a portion of the deal amount to the club, signaling that the takeover is 100 percent on track and the deal can be signed at any moment. The official club announcement and formal completion details are expected during a press conference in Kochi.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Faisal Al Qassimi, a member of the UAE Royal Family from Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, is an avid sports enthusiast and co-founder of the Al Qassimi Group of Companies and Investments. His private office manages multi-sector global investments. The initiative operates under “Al Fursan – Project Blasters,” a visionary roadmap aimed at investing heavily in the regional sports ecosystem. Beyond the senior Indian Super League club, the plan includes developing world-class sports academies, infrastructure, and player development pathways in Kerala. Alongside Sheikh Ahmed Al Qassimi, the incoming investment group includes prominent business figures such as Shafi Shoukath, Arijit Bhattacharyya, Farouk Khailann, and Sanjay Tolani.
Before the takeover by the UAE royal-led consortium, the old owners transitioning the club were Magnum Sports Private Limited. Led by chairman Nikhil Bhardwaj, this parent ownership group also included prominent Telugu film industry megastar Chiranjeevi and producer Allu Aravind as major shareholders. They managed the club from 2016 until the current transition in 2026. The change in ownership marks the end of an era for the club and the beginning of a new chapter under the stewardship of a consortium with global ambitions.
The arrival of Sheikh Ahmed bin Faisal Al Qassimi and his consortium represents a significant boost for Kerala Blasters and the broader football ecosystem in Kerala. With the first tranche already deposited, the formalities are expected to conclude shortly, paving the way for a new era of investment, infrastructure development, and on-field ambition. Fans of the club, known for their passionate support, will be eagerly awaiting the official announcement and the details of the consortium’s vision for the future. If the deal goes through as expected, it could mark one of the most significant foreign investments in Indian football history.
