{
  "id": 3215736,
  "title": "'Mission To Finish Football': Aaditya Thackeray Slams 'Absurdly High' Prices As Mumbai City FC Hit With 250% Rent Rise",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/mission-to-finish-football-aaditya-thackeray-slams-absurdly-high",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-25T07:18:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/mission-to-finish-football-aaditya-thackeray-slams-absurdly-high-prices-as-mumbai-city-fc-hit-with-250-rent-rise"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray has harshly criticized the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for imposing a substantial 250% rent increase on Mumbai City FC, from ₹10 lakh to ₹35 lakh per game. This, according to Thackeray, is part of the BJP regime's plan to undermine football in Mumbai by raising fees and leasing the grounds for events and shows. The Mumbai Football Arena, built in 2015-16, now has new trustees who also promote non-sports use. Thackeray expressed shock on X, calling it a shame. The Mumbai City FC club is currently uncertain about where it will host its home matches for the upcoming ISL season, with the steep rent hike potentially significantly increasing its expenses. The club officials are discussing the matter with the civic body, with the agreement's outcome remaining uncertain. Should no agreement be reached, the club could face eviction from the Andheri Sports Complex. This follows Thackeray's recent protest against the BMC's plans to develop a convention center at the Neville D'Souza Football Ground in Bandra West, which threatens the existing use of the football ground.",
  "summary": "Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray has taken fresh swipe at Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The dig comes after reports that the civic body had slapped a massive 250% hike over the ₹10 lakh that Mumbai City paid per game two seasons ago. That would see the rent rise to a staggering ₹35 lakh per game. \"The bjp regime is set out on a mission to finish football in Mumbai. They…",
  "key_points": [
    "Mumbai City FC faces 250% rent hike from ₹10 lakh to ₹35 lakh per game.",
    "Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray criticizes BMC's decision.",
    "Club uncertain about home matches due to steep rent increase."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}