Dodsal Group Chair Rajen Kilachand Confirms FC Mumbai Tigers' I-League Bid

Rajen Kilachand, chairman of Dubai-based conglomerate Dodsal Group, which owns Indian second tier side FC Mumbai Tigers, "has confirmed his intention to bid for an I-League franchise in next month's auction," according to Ashley Hammond of GULF NEWS. The All India Football Federation is accepting bids to replace Mumbai-based clubs Air India and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation next season "after the latter state-owned sides were barred" for failing to meet Asian Football Confederation licensing criteria regarding commercial viability. The Tigers were formed last May, "but have already shot to fame after reaching the final of the Durand Cup." A successful bid estimated to start at $36.8M would guarantee a club a five-year stay in the I-League's top tier, "provided they build a stadium and an academy." The Tigers, "who are currently nomadic, are now planning to construct a combined facility in New Mumbai, India" (GULF NEWS, 4/18).