Tata Steel Transfers Jamshedpur FC Ownership to Churchill Brothers

by Chandler D'silva August 14, 2026

Tata Steel has agreed to transfer its entire ownership of Jamshedpur FC to Churchill Brothers for a token sum of ₹100, bringing an end to Tata Steel’s ownership of the Indian Super League club while potentially allowing Jamshedpur’s ISL sporting licence to continue under new ownership.

Tata Steel’s Committee of Directors approved the transfer of all 4.08 crore equity shares of Jamshedpur Football and Sporting Private Limited on August 14, with the share purchase agreement signed on the same day. The transaction is expected to be completed within 15 days, subject to approval from the All India Football Federation and other formalities.

The proposed deal includes Jamshedpur FC’s ISL sporting licence, along with the contracts of 12 players and two coaches. Churchill Brothers have informed the AIFF of their acquisition, with the Goan club potentially taking Jamshedpur’s place in the ISL if the transfer receives the required approval.

The move follows Tata Steel’s decision earlier this month to withdraw Jamshedpur FC from the ISL. The company plans to shift its focus towards grassroots and youth development, particularly through its long-standing football development programmes, while continuing its support for sporting infrastructure.

For Jamshedpur FC, the proposed transfer comes after nearly a decade of Tata Steel ownership. The club became an established force in Indian football, winning the ISL League Winners’ Shield in the 2021-22 season and developing a strong identity in the city and across Indian football.

For Churchill Brothers, the deal could provide an unexpected route back into the country’s top division. The historic Goan club had initially finished at the top of the 2024-25 I-League standings, but a subsequent dispute over points and eligibility eventually reached the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The CAS ruling favoured Inter Kashi, costing Churchill their automatic promotion opportunity.

Churchill Brothers later sought entry into the ISL but their bid was rejected. After opting out of the 2025-26 I-League, the club were subsequently demoted to I-League 2. The proposed acquisition of Jamshedpur FC’s sporting licence could now give Churchill Brothers another opportunity to return to India’s top-flight football.

The development also comes at a time of wider uncertainty surrounding the ISL and its long-term commercial structure. If approved, the transfer would mark a significant change in the league landscape, with Jamshedpur FC’s sporting presence potentially continuing under a different ownership structure and identity.

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