Malappuram: Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman on Thursday alleged that the Argentina national football team had misled the state by not travelling to play a scheduled match, despite having reportedly received payment.

Abdurahiman said he had been keen to bring the Argentine side, along with star player Lionel Messi, to Kerala for a high-profile fixture.

Efforts made to organise match and funding

The minister explained that extensive discussions had taken place to facilitate the visit. He noted that arranging the required financial backing was particularly challenging, with efforts made to secure sponsorship amounting to Rs 250 crore for the international team.

“After receiving the money, the Argentina football team cheated us. We did not expect such a betrayal from them. Not coming after promising to do so,” he told a television channel.

Allegations of similar incidents elsewhere

According to Abdurahiman, further enquiries suggested that similar situations had occurred in other countries.

“When I checked, I found that Argentina had done this to five other countries as well. They took money from those countries, but never went there to play,” he said.

He added that the matter could potentially lead to legal action, stating that a case might have to be filed against the Argentine team, with compensation sought in return.

Disappointment among football fans

The minister said he had been eagerly awaiting the team’s arrival, and described the outcome as deeply disappointing.

“It has disappointed the football lovers in Kerala. I do not know to whom I will express my disappointment,” he said.

He had earlier, in November last year, announced that the Argentina team and Messi would visit Kerala in March.

Shift in electoral constituency explained

Addressing his political plans, Abdurahiman also spoke about his decision to contest from the Tirur Assembly constituency instead of Tanur, which he has previously represented twice.

He clarified that the move was not driven by electoral advantage, but by a desire to serve his native area. Tirur, he said, required greater development and had seen multiple complaints from residents regarding the lack of progress.

At the same time, the minister expressed confidence that his absence from Tanur would not result in the loss of that constituency.

The Kerala Assembly elections are set to take place on April 9.

PTI inputs