MP Hibi Eden has condemned the move by the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) to deny permission to the Indian football team to hold a press conference on Thursday.
The press meet was called in connection with the upcoming India-Hong Kong match scheduled for March 31. Senior team coach Khalid Jamil and three players were scheduled to address the media.
The GCDA reportedly denied permission on the grounds that the required security fee had not been paid. Mr Eden said it was deeply disappointing to football fans across the country. He added that such an act will effectively erase Kerala from the sporting map of India. “The fact that the international sports media reported this incident is very shameful. The GCDA’s decision has embarrassed Kerala in front of Indian football fans and tarnished the state’s image,” Mr Eden said.
Published – 28 March 2026 0:35 AM IST
