India’s Tata Steel sells Jamshedpur FC to Churchill Brothers for nominal $1 fee

Mumbai - Tata Steel has recently sold its complete ownership of Indian Super League (ISL) club Jamshedpur FC to Churchhill Brothers for a mere $1.05. This decision comes after Tata Steel announced its exit from the top-flight competition earlier.

Churchill Brothers, a club based in Goa, will take over the club's participation rights in the ISL and assume the contracts of 12 players along with two members of the coaching staff, as per a statement from Tata Steel. The transfer of Tata Steel's 100-percent stake in Jamshedpur FC to Churchill Brothers Sports Club Private Limited was approved by the company's committee of directors.

The deal is expected to be finalized by August 31, provided it receives approval from the All India Football Federation and other necessary conditions. According to Tata Steel, this transfer aims to ensure continuity for the players and coaching staff while allowing the company to concentrate on grassroots football and youth development.

Jamshedpur FC players had previously appealed to the Tata Group to reconsider its exit from the ISL. The club had previously won the domestic Super Cup in the previous year and had also gained support from fans, who protested in the streets to convince the Tata Group to keep the club operational.

The decision to sell Jamshedpur FC was influenced by Churchill Brothers' impressive track record in Indian football, having previously won two national league titles. D.B. Sundara Ramam, Tata Steel's vice president, emphasized Churchhill Brothers' rich history in the sport. The 2026-27 ISL season is set to commence with the traditional home and away format.