I league could return to Mumbai as U Mumba show Interest

After a successful maiden campaign in Mumbai Elite Division, U Mumba FC are now gearing up for Hero I league debut in the upcoming football season

The city has been without an I league club for the last two years since the shut down of Mumbai FC after the end of 2016-17. According to reports, U Sports have notified AIFF about their interest in fielding a team in the upcoming season of I League and may just get the go-ahead from the board AIFF will shortly release a tender for new teams and U Mumba may get the approval, provided they fulfill all criteria.

Ronnie Screwvala owned U Sports entered Football last season with U Mumba FC, playing in MDFA Elite Division. The club performed unexpectedly well to finish third in the league stage, thus entering the play-off round. In play-off rounds, they emerged top of their group even outperforming favorites KSA, thereby reaching the semi-finals in their very first season in Mumbai Football’s top division.

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U Mumba FC’s dream run however ended in the semi-finals where they succumbed to Air India in Penalty Shootouts. The club is now confident of dealing with I League challenge and expects to be part of it in the upcoming season.

U Mumba FC’s entrance to I League will provide a huge boost for Mumbai Football as the club is aiming at bringing Mumbai talent to the forefront. The club is willing to fill the roaster with around 20-25 footballers from city, although they have also stated to rope in around 5-6 players from other parts of the country, apart from signing the 5 foreigners.

The club has also revealed its intention of bringing in a foreign coach, someone who may not be a big name but has enough valuable experience. The club is also likely to adopt Cooperage as their home stadium. This will be a welcome surprise for Mumbai football fans longing for a local football connect.

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