New Delhi: Kerala’s sports minister, V Abdurahiman has provided a huge update on the Argentina national football team’s visit to India. Lionel Messi and the team are expected to arrive in Kerala during October-November.
The Argentinian team will receive state guest status, with the Kerala government managing their accommodation, security and all the necessary arrangements. Earlier, media reports suggested that the Argentina team cancelled their visit to Kerala due to alleged contract breaches by sponsors but the statement of Kerala’s sports minister has revived the expectations of football fans.
Both Abdurahiman and the Reporter Broadcasting Company had dismissed all these reports, maintaining that the FIFA World Cup Champions would definitely play a match in Kerala. The minister also reignited the excitement in football fans through a Facebook post stating, “Messi will come”.
‘There are no remaining obstacles’: Kerala Sports Minister, V Abdurahiman
Speaking to the media on Saturday, Abdurahiman said that the delay in the payment of the match fee has been resolved, and October-November is the ideal time for international friendlies.
“The sponsor has now paid the amount. There are no remaining obstacles. As per the FIFA window, October-November is the ideal period for such international friendlies. So that timeframe is likely for us as well,” he said.
According to the agreement between the Argentina Football Association (AFA) and the sponsor, the team will confirm the tour and release further details in a joint statement once the payment is officially processed. Responding to questions, the sports minister said that the financial aspects of the deal are solely between the sponsor and AFA.
“The government has no involvement in the financial dealings. The contract is entirely between the sponsor and the team management. We were informed by the sponsor that the match fee has been settled,” he said.
Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman has provided a big update on Lionel Messi and the Argentina Football team’s visit to India. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
