City Football Group have pulled the plug on Indian football.
Manchester City’s owners have officially exited Mumbai City FC, ending a five-year partnership amid growing uncertainty over the future of the Indian Super League.
In a statement, CFG said the move followed a “comprehensive commercial review” and reflected its focus on markets where it can make a “long-term impact.”
Translation: too much uncertainty, not enough clarity.
CFG have sold their entire 65% stake, returning full control of the club to founding owners Ranbir Kapoor and Bimal Parekh.
CFG’s arrival in 2019 was a landmark moment for Indian football, bringing global credibility to the ISL. On the pitch, the partnership delivered instant success: two ISL League Shields and two ISL Cup titles, cementing Mumbai City FC as one of the league’s dominant forces.
But the wider ecosystem has crumbled. The 2025-26 ISL season, due to kick off in September, remains suspended after the AIFF failed to reach a renewal agreement with long-time commercial partner FSDL. With FSDL stepping away and no bidders emerging in a Supreme Court-approved auction, the league’s future is hanging by a thread.
Even a proposal from ISL clubs to self-run the league has stalled, with AIFF officials publicly divided on the way forward. That instability proved decisive.
In short, CFG’s exit is a major red flag – and a sobering reminder – for Indian football.