Hyderabad FC stands out as one of the most triumphant teams in the Indian Super League. A few years back, in the ISL 2021-22 Season they clinched the coveted title by defeating formidable opponents consecutively. Coach Manolo Marquez played a pivotal role in steering the team to success. Essentially, the football squad from the city of Nizams secured the ISL championship under his guidance.
From Bartholomew Okbeche onward, both local and international players have delivered commendable performances donning the Hyderabad FC jersey. Despite consistently making it to the last four battles in numerous football seasons, the team faced challenges in reaching the pinnacle. Their journey was cut short in the Penalties, succumbing to the formidable Mohun Bagan, a stalwart of Kolkata Maidan. While supporters may have felt a tinge of disappointment, the players’ resilient efforts and hard-fought battles brought joy to all.
Read More: Hyderabad FC: ISL Triumph to Financial Crisis – A Saga of Challenges and the Quest for Rescue
Challenges and Economic Strain
However, since the conclusion of the last football season, one of the most successful clubs in the ISL, Hyderabad FC, has encountered a series of challenges. The management is grappling with significant economic issues, affecting not only the players but also the coaches and supporting staff. The financial strain reached a point where Coach Manolo Marquez, a key figure in Hyderabad’s success, had to bid farewell and move on to FC Goa. Subsequently, talented players like Akash Mishra and Haricharan Narjarri departed to join other teams.
In the previous football season, Hyderabad FC, known for their dominance, used to keep opponents on edge. However, the current scenario paints a starkly different picture, with the team languishing at the bottom of the league table. This downturn in performance is undeniably one of the most disheartening developments in club football.
Hyderabad FC’s Current Ownership Dynamics
The present co-owners of Hyderabad FC include Staicu Adrian, Varun Tripuraneni, and Rana Daggubati. Madduri, the CEO of Incessant Technologies, a Hyderabad-based company, expressed his anticipation for a “significant role in developing football in the state, reviving its past glory.”
Tripuraneni, the former CEO of the Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League, expressed pride in being a co-owner of Hyderabad FC during the club’s announcement. He stated, “It is a proud moment for me to be a 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 society and do the city proud. Our immediate task is to prepare for the new season.”
On October 24, 2019, it was revealed that well-known Telugu actor Rana Daggubati would also join Madduri and Tripuraneni as a co-owner of the club. After acquiring ownership, Daggubati had remarked, “Hyderabad has a great legacy with the sport. This team, therefore, is a chance to rekindle that legacy.”
Financial Crisis and New Investors
The football club from the city of Nizams has once again grabbed headlines in the recent days. Reports surfaced that Hyderabad FC encountered difficulties in settling all the hotel expenses during their away matches, leading to legal actions initiated by the hotel authorities. This revelation sparked a significant outcry among football enthusiasts across the country. Amidst the controversy, new information continues to emerge.
Football Sports Development Limited, the owner of ISL, extended financial assistance to Hyderabad FC, helping to alleviate the financial crisis that had begun in 2022.
Irish tactician Conor Nestor officially announced on Twitter that he had legally terminated his contract with Hyderabad FC on December 30, 2023. Additionally, the club’s goalkeeping coach, Rory Grand, also legally terminated his contract on January 2, 2024.
Amidst the challenges, it became known that the ISL-winning football team was actively seeking new investors. While several organizations were rumored in the past few days, nothing had been finalized. There were speculations that an organization overseeing an I-League football team might step in, but details remained unclear. However, sources close to the developments now indicate that Hyderabad FC has identified new investors, with a formal announcement expected in the coming days. This development brings a sense of relief for the loyal fans of HFC, and it is anticipated to boost Hyderabad FC’s budget.
