Efforts to Host Argentina Football Team in Kerala Followed Proper Protocols, Says Former Minister
Government Procedures and Financial Clarity
V Abdurahiman, the former Sports Minister, asserted that all necessary government protocols were adhered to while attempting to arrange a friendly match featuring the 2022 FIFA World Cup champions, Argentina, in Kerala. He emphasized that the state incurred no financial losses related to this initiative. The agreement for the match was established between the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and the sponsor, with no financial obligations placed on the state government.
Approval Process and Misconceptions
Abdurahiman explained that the initiative to invite the Argentina team was initiated after securing the required approvals from the Union Ministries of Sports and Finance. The sponsor also received authorization from the Reserve Bank of India for the payment, which was processed through a public sector bank. He refuted claims that the Sports Department was unaware of the proceedings, stating that such assertions were entirely false.
Response to Allegations
He dismissed allegations regarding the previous government's arrangements for the Argentina team's visit as 'malicious.' Abdurahiman clarified that the prior administration had launched a comprehensive program to enhance sports development in Kerala, which included inviting Argentina, a nation with a significant football following in the state.
Sponsorship and Agreement Details
The former minister noted that the Argentina team was willing to participate in a friendly match after receiving an invitation from the state government. Initially, two organizations expressed interest in sponsorship, but after the first sponsor failed to meet conditions, Reporter Broadcasting Company was selected. The government mandated that all financial responsibilities for the match would be handled by the sponsor.
International Collaboration in Sports
Abdurahiman mentioned that discussions with AFA were conducted through the Sports Department Secretary and the Sports Director. Following online talks, a meeting took place in Madrid, Spain, leading to an agreement between AFA and the sponsor. The discussions also included proposals for establishing football schools and training academies in Kerala, as well as coach training programs.
Venue Arrangements
Regarding the match venue, Abdurahiman stated that the Kochi International Stadium was chosen based on a letter from the GCDA, which decided to transfer the stadium to the government-owned Sports Keralam Foundation for the match. The sponsor was responsible for the necessary preparations, and no rights over the stadium were granted to them.
Political Context and Allegations
Abdurahiman accused the current government of making 'factually incorrect allegations' against the previous administration to distract from its shortcomings, particularly in managing the monsoon crisis. He suggested that the focus on Messi and the Argentina team was a strategy to garner public attention, asserting that the allegations had already been addressed previously.