BMC Proposes 50% Rent Hike for Mumbai City FC at Andheri Sports Complex

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has proposed a 50% hike in ground rent for Mumbai City FC (MCFC) to host its upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) matches at the Andheri Sports Complex. Under the civic body's revised terms, the club may have to pay Rs 15 lakh per match, up from the Rs 10 lakh fee charged during the previous season.

The Andheri Sports Complex, which is owned, operated, and managed by the BMC, serves as the home venue for MCFC during the ISL. The tournament runs annually from October to March, featuring around 10 to 12 matches at the venue, averaging roughly two matches each month. The steep proposed jump in fees has sparked concerns across the sports fraternity and among local football supporters over whether the fixtures might be forced to move away from Andheri this year.

Addressing the proposed revision, an official from the BMC's sports department stated that fee increases are standard, but the scale of this year's quote is tied to expanded access. The official noted that the ISL has been held annually since 2014, with the exception of a gap of a couple of years during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. While a routine 10% rent hike is typically implemented each year, additional spaces—including rooms and other areas of the sports complex—have been included for use during the tournament this season, resulting in the Rs 15 lakh per match quote. The official added that discussions are currently ongoing, and the revised rent will be confirmed only after all terms are finalized in meetings between MCFC representatives and senior BMC officials.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and MLA Aaditya Thackeray raised objections to the decision on Tuesday, alleging an effort to sideline football in Mumbai. In a post on X, Thackeray referenced the Mumbai Football Arena built in 2015-16 at the Shahajiraje Krida Sankul inside the Andheri Sports Complex. He alleged that new trustees are choosing to quote absurdly high rates for Mumbai City FC rather than promoting sports, arguing that hiking the fees risks pushing football out so the ground can be leased to commercial events and shows to generate revenue.