Mumbai City FC to play ISL Home Matches at MFA after major breakthrough in Rent Impasse

Mumbai City FC have secured an agreement with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to continue playing their home matches at the Mumbai Football Arena, bringing an end to uncertainty over their venue ahead of the ISL 2026-27 season.

The Mumbai Football Arena, located inside the Andheri Sports Complex, has been Mumbai City's home for several seasons and is officially listed as the club's venue by the Indian Super League.

The agreement comes after negotiations over the rental charges. BMC had initially proposed a substantial increase of 250% in the match-day rental, but the final agreement has reportedly resulted in a hike of around 25 per cent compared with the club's previous rates.

The Islanders paid BMC ₹10 lakh per fixture last season, and as per the rumoured hike in rent, it was rising as ₹35 lakh per match. But after the current negotiation, ₹12.50 lakh is the amount the club will have to pay BMC per every home game, a significant dip from the earlier rumoured value.

Mumbai City start away from Home in ISL

However, Mumbai City will have to wait before playing in front of their home supporters this season. The Islanders' first three ISL fixtures are away from home, against Churchill Brothers on October 11, Punjab FC on October 19 and Kerala Blasters on October 25.

Their first home match is scheduled for November 1, when they host Sporting Club Delhi at the Mumbai Football Arena. The match is scheduled for a 5pm kick-off.

The delay in Mumbai City's return to their home venue is linked to other events at the Andheri Sports Complex, including the MLBx: Mumbai event on October 24.

The Islanders are scheduled to play seven home matches in the first phase of the ISL season. After Sporting Club Delhi, they will host Chennaiyin FC, East Bengal FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Inter Kashi before Christmas, followed by Odisha FC and NorthEast United FC in January.

The club's return to the Mumbai Football Arena ensures that the Islanders will continue to have a familiar home base as they begin their campaign under head coach Manolo Marquez.