'Messi in March; no plans to mint profit'; Sponsor responds to irregularities in JLN stadium renovation

KOCHI: Lionel Messi's Argentina football team will not be playing in Kochi on November 17. Despite the confirmation, there is no end to the controversies. After allegations of irregularities in the renovation of the Kaloor International Stadium, sponsor Anto Augustine came with a clarification. The sponsor says that efforts will be made to bring the Argentina team to Kerala in March.

Anto Augustine:

“Efforts will continue to hold a friendly match in Kochi during the March FIFA window. If that does not happen, efforts will be made to bring Messi alone to Kerala. There is no basis for the allegations related to the renovation of the JLN stadium in Kochi. The stadium will be handed over on November 30 after the repairs are completed.

Neither I nor the government knew that the Kochi stadium did not have FIFA approval. I came to know about this during my interaction with FIFA officials. I took control of the stadium with the hope of renovating it in a way to get the FIFA approval.

I have not taken money from anyone, and people can point out flaws in my work. The match is expected to be held in March. I will ask for permission to obtain the stadium from the government during that time. They should give me the stadium only if they feel convenient to do so. I consider spending Rs 70 crore for renovation as a service.”