The future of Kerala Blasters FC, one of India’s most iconic football clubs, is currently under serious discussion as reports suggest the club management is considering relocating operations
away from Kerala. This follows a growing list of issues related to stadium management, licensing complications, and infrastructure constraints that have plagued the
team in recent years. According to a detailed report by Twenty Four News, the club is exploring potential alternatives to ensure operational stability for the upcoming ISL and Super Cup seasons.
At the
heart of the issue lies the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Kaloor, which has been the Blasters’ home since the inception of the Indian Super League. Once a proud fortress of Indian football, the stadium has now become a point of contention due to its deteriorating pitch conditions, safety concerns, and commercial encroachments inside the venue. Several complaints have been raised about the turf being damaged by non-sporting events and the lack of timely maintenance. These factors contributed to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) denying Kerala Blasters the Premier 1 Club License earlier this year for the 2025–26 season, citing non-compliance with basic stadium and infrastructure standards.
Sources close to the management reveal that the
club is evaluating relocation options as a last resort if authorities in Kerala fail to address the situation quickly. The delay in the completion of the stadium renovation, combined with administrative hurdles and financial uncertainties, has put the club in a difficult position. Blasters officials have reportedly engaged in internal discussions with stakeholders to ensure that the team’s long-term sporting ambitions are not compromised.
This situation has triggered widespread concern among fans, especially the passionate “Manjappada” supporters’ group, who have always stood by the team through highs and lows. Social media has been flooded with emotional appeals urging both the Kerala Government and local sports authorities to take immediate action to retain the club within the state. Many fans argue that the Blasters’ identity is deeply tied to Kerala’s footballing culture and that relocation would not only affect fan morale but also harm the growth of football in the region.
Meanwhile, political and sports circles have taken note of the crisis. With the Kerala Sports Minister and Ernakulam MP both expected to issue statements soon, discussions are underway to expedite the stadium’s readiness and compliance. The Kaloor Stadium renovation, which was recently addressed by Reporter TV MD Anto Augustine, is now under pressure to meet international standards before the new ISL season begins.
If the stadium issue remains unresolved, Kerala Blasters FC could become the first ISL club forced to move out of its home state due to infrastructure non-compliance. Such a move would be a massive blow not just to Kerala’s footballing pride but also to the Indian Super League’s legacy in southern India. As of now, fans and the broader sports community are waiting anxiously for an official statement from the club, hoping that Kerala Blasters FC will remain where their heart
and history belong — in Kerala.A fresh and critical development surrounding the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Kaloor complex (Kochi) has emerged as more than 200 shops operating within the stadium premises face closure ahead of a marquee international fixture. According to reporting, the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) has directed the tenants to vacate from approximately October 25 through November 20 to facilitate stadium re-preparations tied to an Argentina-Australia friendly. The New Indian Express+2The Times of India+2
The shop owners, however, allege inadequate clarity on compensation or rent waivers during the closure period. Some warn of permanent business losses if the shutdown extends, citing that previous ISL seasons already demanded similar closures of 24+ days from tenants. This unrest adds fuel to the growing concerns around the stadium’s readiness and the club’s continuity in Kerala.
From the club’s vantage point, these infrastructural and operational disruptions compound the issues of licensing, pitch condition and safety that have been reported earlier. The uncertainty affecting the premises further weakens the case for retaining the Blasters’
Eden also highlighted that the rent paid by local club Kerala Blasters FC to the GCDA for using the stadium was a major revenue source, which is now threatened by the venue’s uncertain future. He demanded
public disclosure of the contract between GCDA and the sponsoring entity, and asked whether the tree-felling around the stadium was procedurally valid. @mathrubhumi+1GCDA Responds: Works to Continue, Safety Assured
In response to public concerns and the MP’s criticisms, the GCDA confirmed that renovation works at Kaloor Stadium will continue despite the cancellation of the Argentina-friendly event. The authority reiterated their commitment to bring the venue up to international standards with works valued at approximately ₹ 70 crore. The Times of India+2The Times of India+2
GCDA Chairman K. Chandran Pillai stated that structural strengthening, seating replacement, repainting, turf maintenance and all required documentation for FIFA clearance have been submitted. He emphasised that the cancellation of the match will not halt the renovation timeline. The Times of India+2The Times of India+2
Furthermore, the GCDA reaffirmed that the stadium is structurally safe and
fully functional, pointing to recently completed fire-safety upgrades and ongoing installation of a centralized fuel system for stadium eateries. The Times of India+1
Implications & Key Points
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The MP’s concerns raise questions around governance, transparency, and accountability of the stadium upgrade project.
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The GCDA’s assurances reflect an effort to maintain the project’s credibility and to ensure the stadium remains a viable venue for high-profile football in Kerala.
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For stakeholders including clubs, fans and local businesses (such as shop owners inside the stadium complex), the outcome of this standoff will impact the stadium’s usage, the club’s operation, and event-hosting potential.
2. “Safety & licensing concerns mount as MP questions Kaloor Stadium’s future and Blasters’ stay”
While the squad and fans look ahead to competition, political scrutiny has intensified. Hibi Eden, the Member of Parliament for Ernakulam, has publicly raised serious concerns regarding the stadium renovation contract, tree-clearance and the financial dealings tied to the makeover of Kaloor Stadium. He specifically flagged that the deal between GCDA and sponsors needs full disclosure. He went further: “The future of Kochi Stadium is now uncertain… reports that Kerala
Blasters might also leave Kochi are worrying.” @mathrubhumi
Earlier in the year, the AIFF’s denial of a club licensing clearance for Kerala Blasters was largely attributed to safety non-compliance at the same venue, marking a fundamental operational threat for the franchise. The Times of India+1
Taken together, the instability in stadium governance, franchise licensing uncertainty and local stakeholder unrest paint a scenario of mounting risk for the club’s long-term anchoring in Kerala.
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