Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is poised to receive football training support from Spain's La Liga teams and the Argentine Football Association. To discuss further collaboration, officials from Real Madrid and the Argentine Football Association are scheduled to visit Kerala. This development follows a recent agreement facilitated by Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman, who met with Argentine Football Association President Claudio Tapia and Real Madrid officials in Spain.

In addition, Spain’s High Council of sports has agreed to cooperate with Kerala in the establishment of the Sports Institute at Thenhipalam, contributing to training, technology, and the exchange of players and coaches. Minister V. Abdurahiman confirmed these details to Mathrubhumi, stating that discussions included the potential for increased investment in Kerala's sports sector.

The possibility of increased investment in Kerala's sports sector was also discussed. European collaboration is being sought as part of efforts to raise the standard of training centers in the state. Department of sports Secretary Pranabjyoti Nath and Director Vishnuraj were also part of the minister’s team during this visit.

Arrival of the Argentine team will be evaluated

Looking ahead, Minister Abdurahiman has invited the Argentine national team for a friendly football match in Kerala. Discussions with Claudio Tapia included exploring the possibility of the Argentine team visiting in 2025, with potential venues being Malappuram or Kochi. The Argentine Football Association will send representatives to Kerala in November to inspect the stadium and other facilities. The possibility of establishing a football academy in Kerala is also under consideration. The Argentine Football Association representatives welcomed the minister and his team with a warm introduction, expressing a heartfelt reception for the Argentine fans in Kerala..