Tata Steel Sells Jamshedpur FC to Churchill Brothers in ₹100 Deal

Tata Steel on Friday approved the complete sale of its 100% stake in Jamshedpur FC to Churchill Brothers for a token consideration of just ₹100, ending its direct ownership of the Indian Super League (ISL) franchise.

The steel maker agreed to transfer all 4.08 crore shares in Jamshedpur Football and Sporting Private Limited (JFSPL) to Churchill Brothers Sports Club Private Limited for a token consideration of just ₹100, under a signed share purchase agreement, as per The Economic Times. The transaction, which remains subject to All India Football Federation (AIFF) approvals and customary clearances, is scheduled for completion by 31 August.

Strategic Handover of ISL Assets

Under the terms of the agreement, Churchill Brothers will acquire Jamshedpur FC's ISL sporting licence along with existing contracts for 12 players and two coaches. The Goa-based outfit will formally assume control of all administrative operations, coaching staff, and squad contracts with effect from September 2026.

Churchill Brothers brings nearly four decades of competitive domestic football legacy to the ISL, having previously clinched two I-League titles. The arrangement ensures that existing Jamshedpur FC squad members retain their professional playing contracts within top-tier Indian football.

Focus Shifts to Youth and Grassroots

Corporate executives stated that the exit from direct club ownership will allow the enterprise to realign its sporting investments toward grassroots development and talent identification. The firm plans to concentrate resources on youth academies and regional training hubs, particularly targeting local and tribal communities across Jharkhand.

"Churchill Brothers is a club with real history in Indian football, and we are glad that this agreement gives our players and coaches the opportunity to continue playing club football," said D. B. Sundara Ramam, vice president of Corporate Services at Tata Steel. "We will continue to maintain and enhance our sporting infrastructure—repurposing it for grassroots football and athlete development."

Legacy of Jamshedpur Football

The corporate exit marks a major transition for Jamshedpur’s football ecosystem, which has been closely tied to the steel city’s sporting infrastructure. Established in 1987, the landmark Tata Football Academy has trained over 300 cadets, with more than 150 going on to represent the national team.