Argentina’s friendly match in Kochi rescheduled due to FIFA approval delay, GCDA press release
Kochi: The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) has issued an official press release detailing the preparations and developments related to the proposed international football friendly match between World Cup champions Argentina and a host team in Kochi.
According to the release, the Kerala Government had earlier invited the Argentina national football team to play a friendly match in the state. Permission for organising the event was granted under G.O.(Rt) No.294/2024/S&YA dated February 17, 2024, authorising Reporter Broadcasting Company Limited to manage the event with support from sponsors. The Sports Kerala Foundation was appointed as the special purpose vehicle to handle infrastructure and logistics.
GCDA stated that the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Kochi, was identified as the official venue considering its 50,000-plus spectator capacity and FIFA-standard turf. Following the government’s directive, GCDA handed over the stadium to the Sports Kerala Foundation for match preparations from September 26 to November 30, 2025.
Renovation activities currently in progress include turf renewal, seating upgrades, construction of new entry gates, parking area restoration, boundary wall improvements, toilet and interior refurbishments, floodlight conversion to LED, generator reactivation, and enhanced fire and safety systems.
A Technical Coordination Committee and a Monitoring Committee have been formed through government orders dated October 11, 2025, to oversee renovation quality and progress. Review meetings chaired by the Chief Minister, Sports Minister, and Chief Secretary have been conducted to ensure smooth coordination among departments.
The GCDA press release further stated that despite rapid preparations, the FIFA approval process for stadium certification caused delays, necessitating rescheduling of the friendly match originally planned between November 10 and 18. The renovation work is expected to be completed by November 30, 2025.
GCDA confirmed that Indian Super League (ISL) matches will be held in Kochi in December as planned. The authority added that once the FIFA window opens after November 30, the international friendly will be organised at the Kochi stadium.
GCDA expressed confidence that Kochi will continue to host major global sporting events in the future and called for the continued cooperation of sports enthusiasts and the media.