Jamshedpur FC are set to make way for Churchill Brothers in the Indian Super League after Tata Steel transferred its entire stake in Jamshedpur Football and Sporting Private Limited to the Goan club for a token Rs 100. The move brings Tata Steel’s ownership of the ISL club to an end and could open the door for Churchill’s return to India’s top division.
Tata Steel’s Committee of Directors approved the transfer of all 4.08 crore equity shares in JFSPL on August 14, with a share purchase agreement signed on the same day. The transaction is expected to be completed within the next 15 days, subject to approval from the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and other formalities.
The deal includes Jamshedpur FC’s ISL sporting licence, along with the contracts of 12 players and two coaches. Churchill Brothers have informed the AIFF that they are acquiring the licence, with the club expected to take over Jamshedpur’s place if the federation approves the transfer.
The development follows Tata Steel’s decision earlier this month to withdraw Jamshedpur FC from the ISL and shift its focus towards grassroots and youth development. The company has maintained that the move represents a strategic change in its football operations rather than simply a decision based on participation costs.
WHY DID JAMSHEDPUR FC EXIT THE ISL?
Tata Steel’s decision brought an end to more than a decade of involvement in professional club football through Jamshedpur FC. The company now intends to concentrate on its long-standing grassroots programmes, particularly through the Tata Football Academy, while continuing to support sporting infrastructure.
The AIFF had urged Tata Steel to reconsider its decision, but the company ultimately proceeded with the exit. The club’s existing player and coaching arrangements are now set to move across as part of the proposed transaction, allowing the footballing operation to continue under different ownership.
The transfer also comes against the backdrop of wider uncertainty around the ISL, including questions over its commercial structure and long-term future.
CHURCHILL BROTHERS’ ROUTE BACK TO ISL
Churchill Brothers’ potential return to the ISL would come after a turbulent period for the historic Goan club.
Churchill initially finished top of the 2024-25 I-League standings and were awarded the championship. However, Inter Kashi challenged the points and eligibility decisions that shaped the competition, with the dispute eventually reaching the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
CAS ruled in Inter Kashi’s favour, restoring their points and making them I-League champions while Churchill lost the automatic promotion opportunity.
Churchill subsequently pushed for entry into the ISL but faced opposition from existing clubs and the AIFF. Their bid for inclusion was rejected, and the club were later demoted to I-League 2 after opting out of the 2025-26 I-League.
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