The proposed friendly football match in Kochi featuring Argentina and star player Lionel Messi has been postponed, the event’s sponsor announced on Saturday, citing delays in receiving FIFA’s approval.
Anto Augustine, who had organised the match alongside the Kerala Sports Department, had earlier scheduled the fixture for November 17 at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi. On his Facebook page, Augustine stated that after consultations with the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and due to the delay in FIFA’s permission, the match would now be held in the next international window, with the new date to be announced soon.
Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman confirmed that the team’s visit depends on FIFA’s sanction. He noted that Argentina had two matches planned in November, one in Angola and the second in Kerala. “They are playing in Angola, but no announcement has been made about the second match,” he said.
“Even though the All India Football Federation and the Asian Football Confederation recommended it, and we met FIFA’s vice-president, the approval is still pending. All necessary documents were submitted on Friday night,” the minister added.
Abdurahiman said the match could still occur during the current window if FIFA approval is received immediately. “The sponsors probably meant that if it doesn’t happen now, it will be held during the next international window,” he explained.
Also read: Lionel Messi, Argentina team to visit India in October
Stadium inspections are complete, he added. “The Kochi stadium currently uses halogen lights, which take time to turn on. A tender has been issued for new lights. Fire and safety audits are done; only FIFA approval remains pending. FIFA can grant approval based on the current arrangements. We were asked to submit additional papers, which we have done. We expect a decision at FIFA’s next meeting.”
He further explained that the Thiruvananthapuram stadium was rejected due to rough field conditions. “Though the Kochi stadium is in good shape, minor issues have delayed FIFA’s approval,” he said.
Abdurahiman emphasised that while Messi could have visited Kerala alone, the government preferred hosting the full Argentine team. “A Messi roadshow would not benefit the sports sector; we wanted the full-team match. We do not view the delay negatively,” he added.
He also noted that concerns raised by some local residents had contributed to the delay. “AFA representatives visited and were satisfied with the facilities, but emails from certain individuals here caused delays. Our own people are behind blocking of the event,” he said.
Earlier, AFA officials had visited the Kochi stadium to assess the facilities. The Argentina national team was expected to play a top international side in the friendly match.
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