BMC Proposes 250% Rent Hike for Mumbai City FC at Andheri Sports Complex

Indian Super League club Mumbai City FC could be forced to leave the Andheri Sports Complex after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation proposed a massive 250 percent hike in venue rent, according to reports.

The civic body, which owns and manages the sports facility in Andheri, has proposed raising the per-match rent from the ₹10 lakh the club paid two seasons ago to ₹35 lakh per game. The sharp increase has raised concerns among club officials as preparations begin for the upcoming football season.

Club representatives are currently in discussions with civic officials regarding the proposed revision. If both parties fail to reach an agreement, the ISL outfit faces the prospect of losing access to its long-standing home ground ahead of the new season, which is expected to commence in October.

With Mumbai City FC slated to host around 10 home matches during the tournament, the revised pricing would add a substantial burden to the club's seasonal operating expenditure.

Mumbai City FC has staged its home fixtures at the Mumbai Football Arena within the Andheri Sports Complex since the club's inception. The stadium, which underwent renovation ahead of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, holds a capacity ranging between 7,690 and 9,000 spectators.

Should the Andheri venue become unavailable, the club faces limited alternatives within Mumbai. The Cooperage Stadium located in Nariman Point remains a potential option, but the facility is also owned by the BMC. In addition, Cooperage has never hosted an Indian Super League fixture, having previously accommodated only I-League fixtures, youth tournaments, and women's football matches.

Discussions between club management and the municipal corporation remain ongoing as the start of the league approaches.