Anto Augustine, managing director of a Kochi-based broadcasting company and sponsor of the now-cancelled international friendly featuring Lionel Messi-led Argentina, has clarified that no tickets were sold for the event originally planned for November 17 in Kerala.

Addressing questions on Monday (October 27) after Argentina’s visit was officially cancelled, Augustine said, “I have not taken money from anyone and no tickets have been sold. If the match doesn’t take place, I will face a huge loss.”

Earlier reports quoting Augustine had mentioned that ticket sales would begin on October 15, with prices to be announced later. He later said sales would start on October 24 or 25 after FIFA’s approval and stadium renovation were completed. Following confirmation that the match would not take place, Augustine clarified on October 25 that the Argentina-India friendly would be held in the next available window. It is learnt that ticket-related information will be released only after official confirmation.

Stadium renovation and official agreement

Augustine said renovation work at the Kochi stadium, being upgraded to meet FIFA standards, would be completed and ready for play by November 30.

He confirmed that there is a formal agreement with the Sports Kerala Foundation (SKF) for the stadium’s development. According to him, bringing the Argentine team to Kerala was a government initiative, and he took over as sponsor after the original sponsor withdrew.

Initially, the match was scheduled at the Thiruvananthapuram stadium, but securing FIFA ranking approval proved difficult as it is primarily a cricket venue. Hence, Kochi was selected as the alternative venue, he explained. 

Match postponed, not permanently cancelled

“The Argentina Football Federation informed that the match will not take place in November. Once FIFA approval is received, it will be rescheduled in the next window,” Augustine said, adding that all necessary documents for FIFA ranking approval have been submitted. 

He also noted that once the Kaloor stadium is upgraded to international standards, more FIFA-sanctioned matches can be hosted there. The seating capacity will also be expanded, he said. It is learnt that March will be the next possible window.

Financial motives dismissed

Rejecting allegations of financial gain, Augustine stated, “I have no agenda and no profit motive. I invested to bring an international football match to Kerala and to promote the state’s sports and tourism sectors. If a loss happens, I will bear it.”

He said his only aim was to make Kerala part of global football excitement. “If it were just about bringing Messi alone, the cost and effort would have been far less. But our goal was to bring the World Cup-winning team itself,” he added.

Floodlights and infrastructure concerns

Commenting on the stadium’s current condition, Augustine said the floodlights were in poor shape and close to collapse. “If there had been anyone responsible, would such a situation arise?” he asked.

He explained that the restoration is being carried out free of cost and clarified that the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) manages the stadium. “I am doing this freely. There is no loss to the government — only to me,” he said, reaffirming that his agreement with the Sports Kerala Foundation is officially documented.