Will Argentina come to Kerala for friendly match? Sports minister Abdurahiman responds

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Sports Minister V Abdurahiman said that although the Argentina football team has expressed its readiness to play in Kerala, it is difficult to find funds. Argentina team announced that they are ready to come to Kerala in July.

"We are trying to fulfill the dream of football lovers. The aim is to find funds without incurring any liability to the government. We are also trying to change the date as July is the rainy season," the minister said.

In the meanwhile, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Kerala Football Association said that they have not received any official communication about the Argentina football team's tour to Kerala. AIFF Acting Secretary General Satyanarayana said that he is not aware of the state government's invitation and the Argentina football federation's interest.

The state government needs to inform the AIFF through the state football association if FIFA-ranked teams want to play in the country. AIFF officials said that they welcome the state government's move and will ensure necessary cooperation if notified.

There was a report that the Argentine team was interested in playing in India and the All India Football Federation withdrew the invitation due to the lack of Rs 40 crore requested as sponsorship amount. Then V Abdurahiman sent a letter to Argentina Football Association President Claudio Tapia welcoming the Argentine team to Kerala for a friendly match. The minister himself informed about this in a Facebook post. The Minister stated in the note that Kerala will always welcome Argentina wholeheartedly and will be ready to host the match.