Kerala Blasters face ISL uncertainty after GCDA dispute over JLN Stadium rent
India Today
A stadium rent dispute has once again put Kerala Blasters in a difficult spot ahead of their ISL home fixture. With the pre-match press conference blocked, uncertainty now surrounds operations at Kochi's JLN Stadium.
Kerala Blasters’ home fixture in the Indian Super League has been thrown into fresh uncertainty after a dispute with the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) escalated on the eve of their clash against Mumbai City FC. What began as a disagreement over stadium rent has now spilled into match operations at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi.
In a dramatic development ahead of the February 22 fixture, the GCDA blocked the club’s scheduled pre-match press conference at the stadium, citing unresolved contractual and financial issues. With the media room locked and journalists denied entry, Kerala Blasters were forced to shift the interaction online despite the head coach and players arriving at the venue.
The episode is the latest chapter in a long-running tussle between the ISL franchise and the civic body over rental charges, infrastructure concerns and renovation costs. It has also revived questions over whether the Blasters can continue to call Kochi their home this season.
Earlier in 2026, the club had even explored the possibility of shifting base to Kozhikode, citing high match-day costs — reportedly around Rs 10 lakh per game — and infrastructure shortcomings. After negotiations and public criticism, both sides had reached a temporary resolution that allowed the Blasters to stay in Kochi. That fragile understanding now appears under strain again.
The core of the dispute revolves around stadium rent and renovation expenses at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
Ahead of the season, GCDA officials had announced a significant reduction in match rent, bringing it down from an earlier quoted Rs 8.4 lakh to Rs 2 lakh per game, citing the club’s financial constraints. However, just days before the Blasters’ first home match against Mumbai City FC, the civic body reportedly revised the figure to approximately Rs 4.2 lakh per match.
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