After Messi fiasco, Kaloor stadium renovation stopped midway by sponsor

KOCHI: After taking Malayalees for a ride promising to bring football great Lionel Messi to Kerala, the sponsor now stopped the renovation works at JLN stadium in Kaloor midway. There was widespread criticism against the government and the sponsor after it was confirmed that Messi would not visit Kerala. The GCDA is likely to issue a press release on Monday to clarify the action.

The sponsor took over the stadium on September 26 in connection with the earlier planned match involving Argentina. It was earlier promised that the stadium would be handed over by November 30 after completing renovations. However, the perimeter walls, parking area, main gate, and the work inside the stadium are far from completion. The stadium is currently not in a condition to host matches.

The sponsor had earlier claimed to complete the renovation with Rs 70 crore budget. Painting work and installation of new seats are just halfway completed. After Argentina cancelled their Kerala visit, the renovation work slowed down. The GCDA handed over the stadium to the sponsor without a clear contract.

The stadium was handed over to the sponsor after it was announced that Argentina would visit the state and play a friendly at JLN. This led to controversies. GCDA said the handing over of the stadium for renovation was not direct but was done through the Sports Kerala Foundation.