Indian Super League | Delhi Dynamos likely to be named as Odisha FC ahead of upcoming season
According to a Goal.com report, Delhi Dynamos's move to the state of Odisha will see the franchise be re-branded as Odisha FC as per the state government's request. The shift in the base is being done in an attempt to reduce the financial losses and the club will play its home games in Bhubaneswar.
After a rough couple of seasons that have seen the Delhi Dynamos struggle both on and off the pitch, the owners had decided to end its association with the city of Delhi and look for a new home. Initially looking for alternative homes in the capital city itself such that it could down its costs and develop a better financial model, the club failed to find a suitable venue and had to move to Odisha.
However, according to the latest reports, the move will only be possible if they decide to change their name to Odisha FC as per their agreement with the state government. Currently, the eastern India state doesn’t have any club representing it in the league but is looking forward to claiming the franchise as their own. The club is currently owned completely by the US-based GMS Inc., a financial giant after they had taken over from DEN Network three years ago, who are yet to confirm this decision.
The move will see the lions play its home matches at the Kalinga stadium, located in Bhubaneswar. The ground has hosted several AIFF matches in the past and has got a decent attendance record.
The Dynamos will have to go through some difficult times during the transition period with a completely new fan base and home atmosphere. However, the two-time semi-finalists will be looking to improve upon their eighth-placed finish last season when they kick off their sixth ISL campaign.
