Kerala Blasters to continue in Kochi for ISL season as Staff delay breaking Ramadan Fast to solve Impasse

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Kerala Blasters FC has confirmed that it will continue playing its home matches at the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (JLN) in Kochi for the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 season. All seems to have ended on a positive not as the Blasters have been saved from relocating to the northern district of Kozhikode ahead of the ISL season.

The announcement puts an end to weeks of speculation and uncertainty surrounding a potential shift to Kozhikode, bringing relief to the club's passionate Yellow Army supporters in the city.

The JLN Stadium in Kaloor has been the Blasters' fortress since the inception of the ISL in 2014, hosting countless memorable moments and electrifying atmospheres created by the Manjappada fanbase. The club's decision to stay reaffirms its deep-rooted connection with Kochi, where the vibrant football culture has made the venue one of the most exciting in Indian football.

Earlier this year, reports emerged suggesting a possible move to Kozhikode's EMS Corporation Stadium. Discussions gained traction amid reports of high rental and preparation costs at JLN, prompting the club to explore alternatives to manage expenses in a challenging financial landscape for ISL franchises.

How did Kerala Blasters ensure their stay in Kochi?

Kerala Blasters and GCDA have settled their standoff over outstanding rent payments, ensuring the upcoming ISL clash at Kochi's Kaloor Stadium goes ahead on Sunday without hitches. The stadium authority relented after the club's management pledged to clear the arrears within the next seven days.

Tensions boiled over when GCDA locked the Blasters' on-site office due to unpaid dues. Officials barred match prep teams from entering, insisted on clearing out club belongings, and even blocked access to the press room, pushing the pre-match conference online and igniting fan outrage.

CEO Abhik Chatterjee and the owners' marathon talks with GCDA brass yielded a short-term fix: extra time granted for dues clearance. Stadium handover is now confirmed, easing worries for supporters ahead of the big game.

Club Staff delayed Ramadan Fast Break

The Blasters thanked the respective authorities on Saturday for the resolution of the issues, and also thanked their staff, some of whom even delayed their Ramadan fast to ensure the completion of the impasse. The final bits of confirmation extended past evening, and some staff stayed put without breaking their fast during Ramadan. The Manjappada will take on Mumbai City FC in their first ISL match of the season on Sunday (February 22).

"In the end, football is the winner. We will take to the field against Mumbai City FC tomorrow for our first home game of the season," a statement from KBFC wrote.