Kochi: The Kerala government has declared a holiday for all schools and colleges on Monday in view of the FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, which will be played in the early hours of Monday.

However, examinations scheduled for Monday will be held as planned, with no change in the timetable.

Chief Minister VD Satheesan directed officials to take the necessary steps to issue the holiday notification after requests from various quarters.

General Education Minister N Samsudheen also announced the holiday through his social media accounts.

"Happy now, children?" the minister wrote.

"Considering the request of students who are football enthusiasts, the Kerala General Education Department has declared a holiday on Monday (July 20) for all schools under the department in view of the FIFA World Cup final to be played after midnight tonight," he said.

Earlier, CPM leader and former Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty had urged the government to declare a holiday, saying the late-night final would make it difficult for students to attend classes the next morning.

In a Facebook post, Sivankutty said the match was expected to end in the early hours of Monday and appealed to the government to grant a holiday for educational institutions considering the circumstances.

Several political leaders, teachers, parents and football fans had also called for a holiday, citing Kerala's passionate football following and the significance of the World Cup final.
Argentina, the reigning FIFA World Cup champions, and Spain, winners of UEFA Euro 2024, will clash in the New York New Jersey Stadium for football's ultimate prize.
Spain, the reigning European champions, are aiming for their first FIFA World Cup crown since 2010, while Lionel Messi's Argentina seek back-to-back titles.