Ronaldinho in Kochi, but confusion over vaccination certificate causes airport delay

Kochi: Brazilian football players have arrived in Kochi for the ‘Return of the Titans’ series, in which legendary players from Brazil and India will face off. A six-member Brazilian delegation, including football legend Ronaldinho, arrived at Nedumbassery on Tuesday. The match is scheduled to be held at 7:30 pm on Wednesday at the Kaloor International Stadium.

Ronaldinho and his entourage arrived in Kochi on an Emirates flight from Dubai at 9:55 am on Tuesday. However, two members of the delegation did not have yellow fever vaccination certificates. As a result, the airport health department initially did not allow them to leave the terminal.

The issue caused a delay in the group’s exit from the airport. Ronaldinho eventually came out of the terminal at 11:05 am.

The health department’s action was based on the requirement that travellers arriving from yellow fever-endemic countries carry valid vaccination certificates.

Later, the two members downloaded their vaccination certificates (digital cards) online and submitted them to the airport health department. They were subsequently allowed to leave the terminal.