Kochi stadium renovation: Minister rubbishes illegal sponsorship; Cong MLA alleges no deal signed

Kochi: The renovation of the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi’s Kaloor has triggered controversy days after the Argentine Football Association officially announced that Lionel Messi’s team would not play a friendly match in Kochi this November.

Amid Congress MP Hibi Eden's allegations of shady deal behind the renovation,  Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman on Tuesday denied any wrongdoing, asserting that all procedures were carried out in accordance with the law.

Backing Hibi Eden’s claims, Congress MLA Uma Thomas alleged that the stadium was handed over to a private party without signing any agreement.

However, the minister maintained that the sponsor selected for the renovation work—initiated in anticipation of the Argentina team’s visit—was chosen through a transparent process based on government orders.

“A day ago, the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) clarified everything related to the renovation work. A technical officer from the Argentina team had inspected the stadium. We were supposed to hand over the stadium at least 20 days before the fixture,” said the minister.

Abdurahiman added that inspections had revealed inadequate fire safety measures at the venue.

“Safety and security arrangements had to be completed quickly, and we expected the work to finish on time. A large number of workers are engaged at the site to ensure everything is completed swiftly. Once the renovation is over, we can seek FIFA approval and host matches here,” he said.

Responding to questions about the selection of sponsor Anto Augustin, the minister reiterated that it was done through a “transparent process” and backed by a government order.

The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, owned by the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA), had entered into an agreement with the Sports Kerala Foundation—an entity under the state’s sports department—for the renovation works. The Foundation later assigned a private company to execute the project.

Uma Thomas’ allegations
MLA Uma Thomas claimed she was neither informed about nor invited to any GCDA meetings related to the project, reported PTI. The MLA, who had sustained serious injuries in an accident at the same stadium during an event in December last year, said she did not want a similar tragedy to occur if a large crowd gathered for the proposed Argentina match.

She also alleged that the GCDA’s response to her accident was merely an “eyewash.”

On Monday, the GCDA issued a statement clarifying that all renovation work was being carried out by the Sports Kerala Foundation in consultation with the state government, the sports department, and the chief minister’s office.

Earlier, the private company sponsoring the renovation and the Kerala Sports Department had announced that the Argentine team, led by Lionel Messi, would play a major international fixture at the JLN Stadium next month. However, it was later confirmed that no match would take place during FIFA’s November window.