Mumbai: Mumbai City FC have finally struck a deal with Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), which owns and manages Andheri Sports Complex, to use Mumbai Football Arena for their home matches in the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season, beginning on Oct 10.Sources have revealed that while the rental charges have gone up, the hike is significantly lower than the 250% increase initially proposed by the civic body, as reported by The Times of India in its Aug 25 edition. Mumbai City had paid approximately Rs 10 lakh per game two seasons ago, before BMC proposed a steep increase for the upcoming season. The revised rates are likely to reflect a hike of around 25%.The agreement brings an end to the uncertainty surrounding the two-time ISL Shield winners’ home venue, but the club’s preparations for the new season have not been without complications.Mumbai City were able to confirm the stadium deal only last week, and even then, they were not granted access to the venue until the end of Oct. This means the Islanders will begin their campaign with three consecutive away matches, potentially putting them at a disadvantage before they can play in front of their home supporters.The delay in handing over the venue is linked to Major League Baseball’s MLBx event scheduled to be held at Andheri Sports Complex on Oct 24.Mumbai City will open their campaign against Churchill Brothers on Oct 11, followed by away fixtures against Punjab FC on Oct 19 and Kerala Blasters on Oct 25. They will finally return to the Mumbai Football Arena to host Sporting Club Delhi on Nov 1.While the club can now turn its attention to the season, the scheduling of its home matches has emerged as another concern.Five of Mumbai City’s seven home matches in the first phase of the fixtures have been scheduled for 5 pm, while four of those games fall on weekdays. The club is particularly concerned about the timing of its high-profile clash against Mohun Bagan on Dec 17, a Thursday.With the match scheduled for 5 pm, the club fears that peak-hour traffic around Andheri could affect attendance at the stadium. Andheri is among Mumbai’s busiest areas during evening rush hours, and supporters travelling from different parts of the city could find it difficult to reach the venue in time for kick-off.Mumbai City is in discussions with the organisers about possibly changing the timings of some of its home matches. However, the club is understood to be aware that the chances of a revision are limited, particularly with the first phase of fixtures already announced.For Mumbai City FC, the stadium agreement settles one of the biggest off-field uncertainties ahead of the new season. However, the opening three away fixtures and the prospect of reduced attendance at some home games remain challenges as the club prepares for its ISL campaign.
