Twin agreements signed for renovation of stadium in preparation of Argentina match

Two agreements have been entered into in connection with the renovation of the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium at Kaloor, Kochi, ahead of the now-cancelled international friendly match featuring the Lionel Messi-led World Champion Argentina, originally scheduled for November 17.

The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) signed an agreement with the Sports Kerala Foundation (SKF), a non-profit organisation registered under Section 8 of the Companies Act and functioning under the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, with the Sports Minister as its chairman. Through this agreement, the stadium was handed over to the SKF for renovation. In turn, the SKF entered into a separate agreement with the Reporter Broadcasting Corporation (RBC) to carry out renovations in line with FIFA standards, with a commitment to return the stadium without any damage by November 30.

Sources at the SKF confirmed the arrangement, clarifying that the agreement exists solely between the SKF and the RBC, and that the sponsor has not signed any agreement directly with the GCDA. RBC managing director Anto Augustine also confirmed this while speaking to the media outside the stadium on Monday (October 27, 2025) afternoon.

Mr. Augustine stated that the renovation work would continue as planned and that the stadium would be handed back to the GCDA as agreed. He added that once the match is confirmed, an application would be submitted to the State government and the GCDA seeking permission to host it at the stadium. While he claims that the match is likely to be played in the next FIFA window in March, there is no confirmation yet on it.

Role of private entity

Ambiguity had persisted from the very outset regarding the nature of the agreement involving the stadium, especially as questions continue to be raised about involving a private entity in the renovation of a public asset. Since its inauguration in 1996, the stadium has been a landmark in Kerala’s sporting landscape, having hosted international cricket matches, Indian Premier League fixtures, and FIFA Under-17 World Cup games, in addition to serving as the home ground for Indian Super League (ISL) team Kerala Blasters FC. With the ISL season expected to begin in December, concerns remain if the stadium will be ready in time.