‘Followed all procedures’: GCDA denies ‘shady deal’ allegations over Kochi stadium renovation

Kochi: Amid mounting political allegations of “shady deals” in the renovation of the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium (JNIS) and reports on uncertainty over the future of Indian Super League (ISL) matches in Kochi, the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) has issued a detailed clarification on Monday. GCDA claimed that they have followed all procedures in handing over the stadium for renovation. 

In its statement, GCDA sought to dispel doubts surrounding the renovation project and said that the ongoing renovation works will be completed by November 30, despite the cancellation of the Argentina football team’s proposed friendly match, which had originally prompted the overhaul. GCDA said that the Reporter Broadcasting Company (RBC), which was handed responsibility for the renovation project, has assured the completion of works by November 30. GCDA also said that ISL matches will be held in Kochi this December. 

The GCDA also clarified that the Argentina friendly was not cancelled permanently, but postponed due to a delay in obtaining FIFA approval for the venue. The authority said it remains committed to bringing international matches to Kochi once the renovation is complete and a new FIFA window opens. 

“GCDA will take all necessary measures to conduct the international football match as and when a FIFA window becomes available after November 30,” the statement read. 

The clarification comes hours after Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden alleged serious irregularities in the stadium handover process and accused the GCDA, the state government, and the Sports Minister of being complicit in what he called a “shady deal.” Eden questioned the lack of transparency in the agreement with RBC.

Hibi also raised concerns about reports suggesting that Kerala Blasters FC, the city’s ISL franchise, was considering moving out of Kochi due to the uncertainty surrounding the stadium’s condition. 

In response, the GCDA issued an 18-point statement outlining the procedural history of the project. It clarified that the stadium was first handed over by GCDA to the Sports Kerala Foundation (SKF), a government-appointed special purpose vehicle, which in turn assigned the renovation work to RBC on September 26, following a series of meetings that included the Chief Minister, the Chief Secretary, and the Sports Minister. 

The statement aimed at countering allegations of irregularities, stressing that all procedures were conducted under official monitoring. It also stated that the stadium renovation was being monitored by technical and review committees formed by the government to ensure accountability and timely completion. 

As per the statement, the works include renovation of the turf, upgrading seats in the stadium, construction of the stadium entrance gate, restoration of the parking grounds, construction of compound walls, renovation of toilets inside the stadium, false ceiling, VIP entry, and staircase room. It also includes replacing the existing MH (Metal Halide) lights in the floodlights with LED lights and making the stadium's 750 KVA generators operational.

Missing details on project cost 
While the GCDA’s statement went into detail about the chain of approvals and the timeline of renovation, it did not clarify the financial structure of the deal. RBC had earlier claimed that it was investing ₹70 crore in the renovation, but neither GCDA nor the Sports Kerala Foundation has confirmed this figure publicly or explained the terms of investment.

This lack of transparency has remained a focal point of the controversy, with critics pointing out that no official document detailing the cost or contract terms has been made public.