GCDA’s action condemnable, says Hibi

Hibi Eden, MP, has condemned the action of the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) denying permission for the Indian football team to hold a press conference on Thursday.

The press meet was called in connection with the upcoming India-Hong Kong match scheduled for March 31. Senior team coach Khalid Jamil and three players were to address the media.

The GCDA had reportedly denied permission on the grounds that the required security fee had not been paid. Mr. Eden said it had deeply disappointed football fans across the country. He added that such an act effectively erases Kerala from the sporting map of India. “The fact that international sports media have reported this incident is highly shameful. The GCDA’s decision has disgraced Kerala in front of Indian football fans and tarnished the State’s image,” Mr. Eden said.