Prithviraj acquires stakes in Kochi Pipers FC

Kochi: Malayalam superstar Prithviraj Sukumaran has reportedly acquired stakes in one of the franchises of the Super League Kerala (SLK), an ambitious venture aimed at developing a structured and competitive grassroots football ecosystem in the state. 

According to sources, the actor-director has become a shareholder of Kochi Pipers FC, one of the six franchises of the inaugural edition of the SLK.

Earlier, Prithviraj had shown interest in investing in Thrissur Roar FC and had held talks with the franchise's major stakeholders, that include Kaz Patafta, chairman and chief executive officer of A-League side Brisbane Roar FC, but the move fizzled out. 

Kochi Pipers are owned by Indian tennis great Mahesh Bhupathi, CEO of SG Sports and Entertainments, and his wife and actress-cum-model Lara Dutta. 

With Prithviraj and his wife Supriya Menon becoming co-owners of the club, Kochi Pipers are poised to acquire the 'celebrity team' status in the SLK. 

Organised jointly by the Kerala Football Association and Scoreline Sports Private Limited, the SLK is set to commence in September this year and will run for 45 days. The matches will be held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi, EMS Corporation Stadium, Kozhikode, and Sports Council Stadium, Manjeri.

The SLK promises to open a new world for Kerala football and help aspiring local footballers develop a more professional attitude towards the game. Apart from players from various Asian countries, proven footballers and coaches from Africa, Europe, and Latin America will be part of the league.

The other four franchises in the inaugural edition of the SLK are Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC, Calicut FC, Malappuram FC, and Kannur Squad FC.