Kochi: Lok Sabha MP Hibi Eden has launched a sharp criticism against the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) and the state government over the renovation works at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kaloor, alleging that the project is part of a shady deal.

He also demanded that the GCDA disclose details of the agreement signed with Anto Agustin, who had sponsored the proposed Argentina football team’s friendly match in Kochi.

The Congress leader’s remarks came after the Argentine Football Association (AFA) announced that Lionel Messi and his team would not play a friendly match in Kochi this November. Hibi accused the GCDA of engaging in a 'business deal' under the guise of Messi’s Kerala visit.

The MP representing Ernakulam in the Lok Sabha has written to the GCDA chairman seeking details of the renovation project. Addressing the media on Monday, he demanded that the tender documents — including the master plan for the renovation — be made public.

“The rent from Kerala Blasters was the major source of revenue for the GCDA, which manages the stadium. But now, the Blasters have almost quit Kochi. After the renovation, the stadium will not even be suitable for cricket matches. The future of Kerala’s first international stadium is at risk,” Hibi said.

He alleged that the GCDA lacks the expertise to undertake such a large-scale project. “How did the GCDA issue the tender for renovation to firms without the required experience? All standard protocols were violated in the process. Trees are being felled illegally as part of the works, and all shops at the stadium have been forced to close down,” he added.

The MP also cited MLA Uma Thomas’s accident inside the stadium, blaming GCDA’s negligence during stage construction for the mishap.

The renovation of the Kaloor stadium began after the state government announced that the Argentina football team would play a friendly match in Kochi in November. Though the AFA later clarified that no such match was planned — citing Kerala’s failure to make necessary arrangements — the GCDA maintained that the renovation would continue.

According to official reports, the stadium is being upgraded to international standards at an estimated cost of ₹70 crore.