Super League Kerala 2024: A New Era for Football in God’s Own Country

Kerala, the football-loving state of India, is set to experience a historic sporting event with the launch of the Super League Kerala (SLK) in September 2024. Organized by the Kerala Football Association and Scoreline Sports Private Limited, this men’s franchise football league will bring together local talents and international players, offering a dynamic platform for growth and development. With six teams representing various cities, the Super League Kerala aims to elevate the sport’s status in the region while captivating fans with intense competition and community pride.

The Franchises: A Celebration of Kerala’s Diversity

The Super League Kerala will feature six franchises, each representing a unique city and cultural heritage, uniting fans from different parts of the state under one footballing banner.
CEO of Super League Kerala : Mathew Joseph

1. Forca Kochi FC
   • City: Kochi
   • Home Stadium: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi
   • Owners: Mahesh Bhupathi, Lara Dutta, Prithviraj Sukumaran and Supriya Menon
   • Overview: Forca Kochi FC is set to capture the vibrant football culture of Kochi, leveraging its passionate fan base and community spirit. Co-owned by the renowned tennis legend Mahesh Bhupathi and the renowned actor Prithviraj Sukumaran, the club aims to bring a blend of star power and grassroots engagement to attract a diverse audience.
2. Calicut FC
   • City: Kozhikode
   • Home Stadium: EMS Corporation Stadium, Kozhikode
   • Owner: V.K. Mathews, Chairman of IBS Group.
   • Overview: Representing Kozhikode, a city synonymous with football enthusiasm, Calicut FC is committed to developing local talent while creating a competitive team that can perform at the highest level. With the backing of tech entrepreneur V.K. Mathews, the club has ambitious plans to blend innovation with tradition.
3. Kannur Warriors FC
   • City: Kannur
   • Home Stadium: Jawahar Municipal Stadium, Kannur
   • Owners: M.P. Hassan Kunhi, Asif Ali, Mibu Jose Nettikadan, Ajith Joy, and Muhammed Salih.
   • Overview: Kannur Warriors FC represents the resilient spirit of Kannur. Owned by a consortium of influential business leaders, the club aims to harness local enthusiasm for football and transform it into professional success on the field.
4. Malappuram FC
   • City: Malappuram
   • Home Stadium: Malappuram District Sports Complex Stadium, Payyanad, Manjeri
   • Owners: V.A. Ajmal Bismi, Dr. Anvar Ameen Chelat, and Baby Neelambra.
   • Overview: Known for its deep-rooted football culture, Malappuram is a perfect host for Malappuram FC. The club’s ownership group, comprising local entrepreneurs, is determined to bring top-tier football to the region, providing a platform for local talents to shine and advance to the national stage.
5. Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC
   • City: Thiruvananthapuram
   • Home Stadium: Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium , Thiruvananthapauram
   • Owners: Travancore Princess Gowri Lakshmi Bayi, Dr. Mohamed Ilyas Sahadulla, K.C. Chandrahasan, and T.J. Mathews.
   • Overview: Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC brings a fusion of heritage and modern football to the state capital. With a diverse ownership group, the team aims to reflect the cultural richness of Thiruvananthapuram while fostering a new generation of footballers.
6. Thrissur Magic FC
   • City: Thrissur
   • Home Stadium: Thrissur Municipal Corporation Stadium
   • Owners: Listin Stephen and Nivin Poly
   • Overview: Thrissur Magic FC is set to add a new dimension to Kerala’s football scene with its unique blend of local and international influence. The club is focused on developing a globally competitive style of play that will appeal to fans across the state and beyond.

League Format and Venues

The league will follow a two-phase format: the initial league stage and a subsequent knockout stage. The league stage will operate on a home-and-away basis, with each team playing every other team twice. The top four teams will advance to the semi-finals, culminating in a final showdown to determine the inaugural champion. Matches will be played at three primary venues: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi, EMS Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode, and Sports Council Stadium in Manjeri.

Talent Development and Player Mix

One of the core objectives of the Super League Kerala is to promote football development at both grassroots and professional levels. Each franchise will be allowed to field up to four foreign players alongside seven Indian players, ensuring a blend of experience and youthful vigor. The league is expected to feature around 100 players, providing ample opportunities for young talents from Kerala and other states to showcase their skills and gain valuable experience.

Broadcasting and Audience Reach

To ensure maximum visibility and engagement, the Super League Kerala has partnered with Star Sports for television broadcasting, while Disney+ Hotstar will offer live streaming of the matches. This strategic partnership aims to bring the excitement of SLK to a national audience, enhancing the profile of Kerala’s football on a larger scale.

Cultural and Economic Impact

The Super League Kerala is not just a football competition; it is also a significant cultural and economic initiative. The league will bring professional football to different parts of Kerala, promoting local talent, creating jobs, and boosting the economy of host cities. By celebrating the unique cultural identities of each participating city, the league is poised to strengthen community pride and engagement among fans.

Conclusion

The Super League Kerala 2024 promises to be a thrilling addition to India’s football landscape, combining local passion with international expertise. As fans eagerly await the league’s kickoff, the SLK is set to make a significant impact on the development of football in Kerala and inspire a new generation of players and supporters. With its unique format, diverse franchises, and commitment to talent development, the Super League Kerala is poised to become a cornerstone of Indian football.