The potential visit of Argentina’s national football team to the state is teetering between rumour and reality. The recent confirmation of Argentina’s interest, as declared by Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman, has stirred excitement, yet the official confirmation remains pending. Abdurahiman has hinted that a face-to-face meeting will determine crucial details, including the match date, with a promise of further revelations. While some sources suggest the authenticity of the news is true, the confirmation is poised to come soon, unveiling whether the dream of witnessing Argentina play in Kerala will materialize.
Confirmation of Argentina’s Interest
The revelation unfolded when Minister Abdurahiman announced that the Argentina Football Association (FA) had officially communicated their interest in playing a match in Kerala. Abdurahiman shared, “We have received a mail from Argentina FA confirming their interest to play in Kerala.” However, with Kerala’s unpredictable weather, particularly during July’s rainy season, the final decision on the match date is pending, prompting the need for a face-to-face meeting to navigate this critical aspect.
A Historical Perspective
This potential encounter has roots in June 2023 when Minister Abdurahiman initially disclosed Argentina’s interest in playing a match in Kerala. The revelation came after the All India Football Federation (AIFF) declined to host Argentina due to the reigning World Cup champions not aligning with India’s condition of providing the Blue Tigers an opportunity to play against the world champions.
Abdurahiman’s Swift Response
Swiftly seizing the opportunity, Abdurahiman publicly expressed his desire to host the Argentine team in Kerala. This decision followed the AIFF’s revelation that the Argentine federation had approached them with an inquiry about sponsorship for a match against a neutral opponent. Undeterred by the initial refusal, Abdurahiman asserted the state’s commitment to raising the necessary funds, estimated at around 40 crores, to facilitate the highly anticipated visit.
Argentina’s Proposal and Kerala’s Enthusiasm
The recent update from Abdurahiman indicates that Argentina has proposed a visit in July, sparking discussions about the logistics and feasibility of hosting the match during the monsoon season. The state’s Sports Minister reaffirmed the commitment of the Kerala government to bring foreign teams to play in the region, further fueling the enthusiasm among football enthusiasts.
Awaiting Official Confirmation
The focal point of this unfolding drama is the pending official confirmation. Abdurahiman has hinted at more revelations, and while some sources suggest the veracity of the news, the final word is expected after the face-to-face meeting. The anticipation builds as football enthusiasts eagerly await the Kerala Minister’s official announcement, which will shed light on whether the dream of witnessing Argentina play in Kerala is set to become a reality.
International Sports Summit Kerala
Coinciding with these exciting developments, Kerala is set to host the ‘International Sports Summit Kerala’ at the Greenfield Sports Hub in Thiruvananthapuram from January 23 to 26. The summit aims to elevate Kerala’s standing in the sports arena and catalyze the development of the sports economy within the state. With a focus on attracting investments and learning from international and national sports personalities, the summit aligns with the broader vision of revitalizing sports at various levels.
We are still waiting for the future official confirmations on this news of Argentina’s arrival in Kerala We will further update you accordingly. So, stay tuned for the latest updates.
