Hyderabad FC — a city with a storied past in football — will replace FC Pune City — a club that has been plagued by financial problems in recent years — in the sixth Indian Super League (ISL) season that starts on 20 October. The league in a release announced that a new team representing the city of Hyderabad will be playing in the new season as Hyderabad Football Club.
Vijay Madduri and Varun Tripuraneni are the new owners of the Hyderabad ISL club, which will play as Hyderabad Football Club (Hyderabad FC).
According to reports, Pune City struggled to pay salaries to players and support staff during the fifth edition of the Indian Super League.
“Hyderabad, a city that boasts of a strong football culture, will soon see its own team making its debut in the upcoming Hero Indian Super League season,” the ISL said in its release. “Vijay Madduri and Varun Tripuraneni are the new owners of the Hyderabad ISL club, which will play as Hyderabad Football Club (Hyderabad FC).”
While the schedule on the ISL’s website still includes FC Pune City, it is understood that Hyderabad FC will be replacing the struggling club’s fixtures in the coming season. In that respect, Hyderabad FC’s first game in the league will be away to two-time champions ATK on 25 October.
“It is a proud moment for me, to be co-owner of Hyderabad FC. Hyderabad is a city with a great football culture. I look forward to working with key stakeholders and building a strong foundation for the club, which will eventually contribute to the society and do the city proud. Our immediate task is to prepare for the new season,” Varun Tripuraneni is quoted as saying by the ISL release. Tripuraneni has previously served roles in Kerala Blasters and Chennaiyin FC.
(With agency inputs)