Satheesan Backs Kerala Blasters Before Mumbai City Opener

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan has extended his support to Kerala Blasters FC before the club’s first home match of the Indian Super League season against Mumbai City FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi.

Satheesan’s message followed confirmation that the Kerala government has allotted the stadium to Kerala Blasters for their home matches in the 2026-27 season. The club will pay rent of Rs 3.5 lakh per match and provide a Rs 25 lakh security deposit for use of the venue.

In a post on X, Satheesan said football was close to his heart and to the people of Keralam. He said supporting clubs and creating the appropriate environment for them to progress formed part of the government’s commitment to sports and youth development. He ended the message by asking whether the club would lift the cup this season.

Stadium allocation confirmed for 2026-27 home fixtures

The Local Self Government Department issued the order on Saturday to allot the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, which is owned by the Greater Cochin Development Authority, to Kerala Blasters for the upcoming ISL campaign.

The order said the government had reviewed the club’s request and taken into account Kerala Blasters’ contribution to the growth of football in the state as well as the promotion of sporting interests among young people. It also referred to the contribution of both the club and the Indian Super League to sports-infrastructure development in Kerala.

According to the order, supporting one of Keralam’s prominent football clubs was considered to be in the public interest. The decision provides clarity over the venue for Kerala Blasters’ home programme, beginning with the match against Mumbai City FC.

The Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium has been Kerala Blasters’ home ground since the ISL began in 2014. Its continued availability is therefore a significant part of the club’s preparations for the new season, giving the team an established setting for its home fixtures and allowing supporters to return to the stands in Kochi.

Kerala Blasters thanked Satheesan and the state government in a social-media post after the allocation was facilitated. The club specifically acknowledged Satheesan’s guidance and support in securing the stadium for its ISL home matches.

Blasters thank government figures and supporters

The club also thanked Local Self Government Minister K M Shaji for helping facilitate the required permissions within the necessary timeframe. Sports and Youth Affairs Minister O J Janeesh was also acknowledged for his support.

In addition, Kerala Blasters placed on record their appreciation for MLAs, MPs, the Kochi Mayor and the GCDA secretary. The club’s response underlined the range of government and civic involvement behind the venue arrangement for the season.

For Kerala Blasters, the confirmation means their home campaign can begin at the ground that has been central to their ISL identity since the league’s launch. The immediate focus is the visit of Mumbai City FC, which will mark the club’s first home fixture of the 2026-27 season.

The club also addressed its supporters, thanking them for their patience, understanding and continued backing during the process. Kerala Blasters said they looked forward to welcoming fans back to the stands in Kochi, adding an important supporter-focused element to the confirmation of the stadium deal.

With the venue now allotted at the stated per-match rent and security-deposit terms, Kerala Blasters head into their ISL home opener with public backing from the chief minister and a confirmed home base for the season.