After launching the rebel Indian Cricket League, the Essel Group on Thursday unveiled the Mumbai Football Club. The community-based Mumbai FC, has been set up with an initial investment of $1 million (around Rs four crore), it was announced by Essel’s Managing Director Amit Goenka at a media conference. 

Amit Goenka, Managing Director of Essel Group said,

“As a responsible corporate house, we always wondered about the depth to which the standard of football has fallen during the past many years. We believe the standards of any sporting event can improve only when the corporate houses take active interest in developing the game at the grass root level. We therefore propose to launch a community-based Football Club in Mumbai to give every football loving citizen an opportunity to participate in the development of football culture in the city.”

The team will play local tournaments and the NFL Division Two, which will begin in December. The primary aim of the club is to gain entry into NFL in a year’s time.

The Engishman David Booth, an experienced international coach, has been roped in as chief coach for a three-year tenure. He had been the National coach of Myanmar and Brunei. He has also worked in the UK, Ghana, Vietnam, Thailand and Maldives. He is also a qualified AFC instructor and has enjoyed prolonged stints with leading clubs.

The former Indian goalkeeper and ex- Mahindra United manager, Henry Menezes, has been appointed as the General Manager of the Club. 

Known for his uncanny ability to attract players from rival clubs, Henry Menzes said,

“India lacks community-based teams that people can relate to. The launch of Mumbai FC will be a platform for the football community in Mumbai, soon becoming a powerhouse for football in the country. This is going to be a great challenge to the entire team behind Mumbai FC and we are committed and confident of living up to the expectations.”

They have also launched a website mumbaifc.com to connect the Mumbai’s football community. The website is already up for registrations and will be developed accordingly.