Aaditya Thackeray has hit out at reports of a 250% increase in rent of the Mumbai Football Arena after it suggested that Mumbai City FC could be forced out of the area. Thackeray has campaigned against the demolition of the Neville D'Souza ground in Bandra, and believes the establishment is out to 'finish football' in Mumbai.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray has taken fresh swipe at Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The dig comes after reports that the civic body had slapped a massive 250% hike over the ₹10 lakh that Mumbai City paid per game two seasons ago. That would see the rent rise to a staggering ₹35 lakh per game.

"The bjp regime is set out on a mission to finish football in Mumbai. They believe that rather than promoting sports, it’s their job to hike the fees and push out football from the city, so that they can start leasing the ground to events and shows and earn money out of it. As a result, they’ve quoted an absurdly high rate of fees to @MumbaiCityFC for the @IndSuperLeague What a shame!," Aaditya Thackeray posted on X.

The ISL season is expected to begin in October, with the club currently facing uncertainty over where it will host its home matches. With the club expected to play around 10 home matches, the steep increase could add a significant amount to its overall expenditure for the season.

As per Times of India, the club officials are concerned by the steep rise in rent and are in discussions with the civic body. Whether an agreement can be reached remains to be seen. Should there be no agreement, the ISL club could be forced out of the venue.