Tiger Shroff expected to feature for Mumbay FC in Durand Cup
Tiger Shroff, a prominent figure in Bollywood, is anticipated to make his professional football debut with Mumbay FC in the Durand Cup. The actor has reportedly been training with the team and could potentially appear in the club’s final group-stage match. Mumbay FC, backed by entrepreneur Ali Ahmed, is scheduled to travel to Shillong on July 30 for its group-stage fixtures.
Sources indicate that Shroff has registered with the team and is likely to feature in the upcoming tournament. His potential involvement has brought the club into the spotlight within Asian football circles. The Durand Cup, recognized as Asia’s oldest football tournament and the third-oldest globally, dates back to 1888 when it was founded by Sir Mortimer Durand in Shimla.
Mumbay FC’s Journey to the Durand Cup
Mumbay FC secured its place in the 135th Durand Cup after a successful campaign in the Maharashtra State Senior Men’s Football League. The club, which Shroff launched in 2024, has seen a rapid ascent in the football landscape. Since its inception, Mumbay FC has won the inaugural Maharashtra State Club League Championship and achieved a third-place finish in I-League 3 last season. This performance marked the club’s first qualification for the prestigious Durand Cup.
The club was founded in July 2024 by Ali Ahmed, who serves as an entrepreneur, alongside technical director Zoheb Khan. Their efforts have seen the club rise through local division circuits to earn national promotion into I-League 3. Shroff has maintained a long-standing passion for football, frequently engaging in training with professional athletes and participating in local exhibition matches in Mumbai.
Mumbay FC is placed in Group E for the tournament. They are set to compete against Shillong Lajong FC, Nongkseh Sports & Cultural Club, and Langsning FC. All of Mumbay FC’s group-stage matches will be held in Shillong, providing an opportunity for the squad to test itself against high-level domestic competition.
Shroff’s Association and the Tournament’s History
Shroff’s connection with Mumbay FC extends beyond a potential playing role; he continues to serve as the club’s brand ambassador. In late 2024, he officially partnered with the club as a marquee figure to promote grassroots football development across Maharashtra. He has previously made a brief appearance for the team during a local division fixture in past seasons and has expressed pride in the team’s progress, highlighting the immense talent in Mumbai that deserves platforms like the Durand Cup.
If Shroff takes to the field, he will join a growing list of Bollywood personalities who have become involved with Indian football. This trend follows the path of figures such as John Abraham, whose NorthEast United FC has become a prominent football club in the country. The Durand Cup itself has a rich history, established in 1888. It features clubs from the Indian Super League, the I-League, and the armed forces.
Under its current format, teams are divided into groups for a round-robin stage. The top-performing teams from this stage then advance to the knockout rounds, culminating in a final match. The 135th edition of the tournament is currently underway.
Mumbay FC’s participation in the Durand Cup marks their first entry into the elite competition. The club’s journey from its founding in 2024 to qualifying for such a historic tournament underscores its rapid development within Indian football. The team’s group-stage fixtures are scheduled to commence after their travel to Shillong on July 30.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
