Archive · 9 Aug 2026
Protest Against Bandra Football Ground Conversion into Convention Centre
Imagine your favourite football ground is the place where you play with your friends every day.
Now imagine the people running the city say they want to build a big exhibition hall there instead.
That is exactly what is happening at the Neville D'Souza Football Ground in Mumbai, India.
The ground is named after a famous football player, and it is used by many children and local clubs.
On Sunday, footballers, students, residents and other people held a peaceful protest to say they want to keep the ground.
They said more than 50,000 people have signed a petition to save it.
The football association has also asked the court to stop the plan.
The city council passed the idea in an early meeting, but the final decision will be made on August 10.
The people protesting hope the city will understand that children need more playgrounds, not fewer ones.
A peaceful protest was held on Sunday at the Neville D'Souza Football Ground in Bandra Reclamation, Mumbai, against converting the playground into a convention centre.
The BMC proposal seeks to amend Development Plan 2034, replacing the playground reservation on the 8,450 sq m MHADA-owned plot with an Exhibition Centre reservation.
The proposal was passed in the BMC's improvement committee amid heated objections and is expected to face final approval in the BMC House on August 10.
With over 50,000 citizens supporting a petition, MFA President Sudhakar Rane joined protesters, and the Mumbai Football Association approached the Bombay High Court for an urgent hearing.
Congress group leader Ashraf Azmi said around 400 youth clubs and 300 senior clubs use the ground, providing training to nearly 8,000-10,000 young footballers every year.
- Who
- Footballers, residents, students and civic representatives led by MFA President Sudhakar Rane, Neville D'Souza's son Nigel D'Souza, Congress group leader Ashraf Azmi and activists like Furkan Shaikh and Nazish Shah.
- What
- A protest and legal challenge against a BMC proposal to convert the Neville D'Souza Football Ground reservation into a convention/exhibition centre.
- When
- Protest held on Sunday; the proposal is expected before the BMC House for final approval on August 10.
- Where
- Neville D'Souza Football Ground at Bandra Reclamation, Mumbai.
- Why
- To preserve one of Mumbai's most important football venues, its sporting legacy and children's right to play against the proposed development.
Save the Football Ground
Proceed with the Convention Centre
Land use for the Bandra plot
Save the Football Ground
Protesters, residents and the Mumbai Football Association say the ground must remain a playground for football, protecting Mumbai's sporting legacy and children's right to play.
Proceed with the Convention Centre
The BMC's improvement committee passed a proposal to amend DP 2034 and replace the playground reservation on the MHADA plot with an Exhibition Centre reservation, pending House approval.
Decision-making process
Save the Football Ground
Opponents raised a point of order urging intervention, called the ground a symbol of Mumbai's sporting legacy, and moved the Bombay High Court for an urgent hearing.
Proceed with the Convention Centre
The proposal passed through the BMC's improvement committee and is scheduled to be presented in the civic house on August 10 for a final decision.
- Location
- Neville D'Souza Football Ground, Bandra Reclamation, Mumbai
- Plot size and owner
- 8,450 sq m, MHADA-owned
- Proposal
- Amend Development Plan 2034 to replace playground reservation with Exhibition Centre reservation
- Current status
- Passed in BMC improvement committee; pending BMC House approval
- Expected decision date
- August 10
- Petition support
- Over 50,000 citizens
- Ground usage
- Around 400 youth clubs and 300 senior clubs; trains nearly 8,000-10,000 young footballers yearly
- Legal action
- MFA approached the Bombay High Court seeking an urgent hearing