In a major boost to Kerala's sports infrastructure and commercial sports sector, Kerala-based global IT firm IBS Software has announced plans to construct an international-standard football stadium in Kozhikode with an estimated investment of ₹100 crore.
This ambitious project will mark the first football stadium in Kerala built by a private enterprise, signalling a significant shift in how sports infrastructure is developed in the region.
Massive private investment: IBS Software, headed by founder and executive chairman VK Mathews, is deepening its footprint in the sports business with this ₹100-crore venture.
Three-year development timeline: The project aims for completion within three years.
Expanding fotball presence: IBS entered Kerala’s commercial sports scene two years ago by acquiring the Kozhikode-based franchise in the Super League Kerala (SLK).
The stadium announcement comes alongside broader growth plans for Super League Kerala, organized under the leadership of Navas Meeran (Group Meeran).
After featuring six teams across major hubs—including Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram—during its initial seasons, the league is set to expand:
New Regional Teams: The league plans to add two new teams from the Malabar region starting next season.
Global Investor Interest: The league has drawn strong interest from international and Gulf-based corporate entities looking to own franchise teams.
With major corporate players like IBS Software driving large-scale infrastructure and franchise development, Kerala's football ecosystem is poised to enter a highly professionalized, commercially robust new era.