Kerala Blasters FC extends contract of sporting director Karolis Skinkys

Indian Super League club Kerala Blasters FC announce the extension of Karolis Skinkys as the club’s Sporting Director for a further 5 years. The deal stipulates that he will remain in his role at the helm of all sporting affairs until 2028.

Karolis, who joined KBFC in 2020 as part of a major strategic reorganization by management, has been instrumental in the growth and success of the club’s sporting activities. In his tenure so far, the club qualified for the first time in the club’s history for the playoffs in a row.

The team also finished runners-up in the 2021-22 Hero ISL season, setting numerous club records in the process.

Under his leadership, the club made significant strides in its youth development activities. In addition to improved youth team performance, great emphasis was placed on creating an effective player development model.

With a renewed focus on a clear path to the first team, numerous academy players have been promoted to the first team in recent years.

Commenting on the contract extension, Kerala Blasters FC Director Nikhil Bharadwaj said: “Karolis is an integral part of our Blasters family and we are delighted to extend our partnership for another 5 years. It is an important step for the club as we look to build on two consecutive playoffs and further our sporting ambitions.

This expansion also gives us a strong basis to consistently continue our work in all sporting functions of the club. Karolis is a full professional and I look forward to a long and fruitful collaboration together!”

“Kerala Blasters mean a lot to me. A special place, a special club and special people. I would like to thank the ownership and management for trusting me and giving me the opportunity to continue growing our organization believe we have done a good job but the best is yet to come.

We have achieved several goals so far and are moving in the right direction to become a consistent contender for the ISL. Kerala Blasters must be here. My goal is clear and simple. I want to win titles with the Kerala Blasters and continue our steady growth in all areas of the sport,” said an enthusiastic Karolis when renewing his contract.

With this extension, Karolis will continue to drive all aspects of team selection, scouting and recruitment, and youth development to oversee the continued, effective and efficient build-up of the club’s sporting activities.