UDF alleges ‘dubious stadium deal’ behind called-off Argentina football friendly in Kerala

The cancellation of the international football friendly match featuring the Lionel Messi-led World Champion Argentina team in Kerala has raised questions that extend beyond the world of sports.

The Opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) has alleged that the event is a “cover for a dubious financial deal” aimed at usurping the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium at Kaloor, Kochi, which was set to host the match.

Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden alleged on Monday that the match was being used as a front for a “shady business deal.”

He demanded clarity on the role of the Kerala government and whether the deal was made with the knowledge of the Chief Minister and the Sports Minister. Calling for details on the follow-up actions, he said the entire episode has cast uncertainty over the future of Kerala’s first international stadium.

Poses 8 questions

Earlier in the day, Mr. Eden submitted a letter to Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) chairman K. Chandran Pillai raising eight specific questions. He requested a copy of an agreement, if any, signed between GCDA and private sponsors regarding the stadium’s renovation.

He also asked the following: whether the Sports Kerala Foundation has any role in the renovation, and if so, whether a clarification would be issued? What are the timeline and scope of the renovation works, and whether these would benefit future programmes and sporting events to be hosted at the stadium? Whether environmental norms were followed in the cutting of trees for renovation? Does an emergency alternative plan exist should FIFA recognition is not received within the expected time-frame? Whether the stadium would be available for Indian Super League matches in December? Has the Kerala Football Association got any involvement in the renovation? Whether the sponsor retains any rights over the stadium now that the match has been called off?

District Congress committee president Muhammed Shiyas also alleged that a “deliberate attempt” was under way to usurp the international stadium. He demanded Mr. Pillai’s resignation, accusing him of handing over the stadium to a private entity without a formal agreement.

He warned that the controversy could put the stadium at risk of losing future international matches.