Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman. File | Photo credit: Special arrangement
Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman questioned the authenticity of the statement attributed to Leandro Petersen, the commercial and marketing director of the Argentine Football Association (AFA). Mr. Petersen alleged that the Kerala government had breached the contract for the Lionel Messi-led Argentina team to play in Kerala.
Speaking to the media here on Saturday (August 9, 2025), Mr Abdurahiman said he doubted the validity of Mr Peterson’s statement. The minister reiterated that the state government had not committed any breach of contract.
“We have proposed October to November for the visit of the Argentine team to Kerala and we are aware that they do not have any matches scheduled during that period. We would like them to play here this year, not next. If they cannot honor their contract and come to play this year, then congratulations,” the minister said.
However, he avoided repeated questions from the media about the responsibility of the sponsor and the earlier version of the government. “We made every effort to bring the Argentinian team to Kerala and the sponsor fulfilled their payment. As a true Malayalam, we shared the same enthusiasm as others to see the World Cup winning team here in action. Our aim was to inspire interest in football among the younger generation,” he said.
Congress criticizes the government
Meanwhile, Congress leaders have unleashed a wave of criticism alleging that the sports minister has embarrassed Kerala by breaking the contract with the AFA. “Messi is missing. The government has a responsibility to answer and clarify,” Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president Sunny Joseph said.
Shafi Parambil, MP, accused the state government of deceiving and betraying the people. “They must provide a transparent explanation, especially in light of the Argentine Football Association’s claim that the government has breached the contract,” he said.
He demanded accountability, saying the government must justify the public funds spent on the proposed visit of the Argentine soccer team. “If the breach of contract was not from the Argentine side, then the CPI(M) should foot the bill,” the MP said.
He criticized the state government for politicizing football. “They’ve exploited people’s love of sport for political mileage. They’ve made it a political project. And now they’re saying it’s the sponsor’s responsibility,” he said.
Published – 09 Aug 2025 16:12 IST
