Kerala Sports Minister questions authenticity of Argentine Football Association claim

Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman has questioned the authenticity of a statement attributed to Leandro Petersen, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer of the Argentine Football Association (AFA). Mr. Petersen had claimed that the Kerala government breached a contract for the Argentine team led by Lionel Messi to play in Kerala.

Addressing the media here on Saturday (August 9, 2025), Mr. Abdurahiman said that he doubted the validity of Mr. Peterson’s statement. The Minister reiterated that the State government had not made any breach of contract.

“We proposed October-November for the Argentine team’s visit to Kerala, and we are aware that they have no scheduled matches during that period. We would like them to play here this year, not next. If they cannot honour the contract and come and play this year, then salaam to them,” the Minister said.

However, he evaded repeated questions from the media about the sponsor’s responsibility and the government’s earlier versions. “We made every effort to bring the Argentine team to Kerala, and the sponsor fulfilled their payment. As true Malayalis, we shared the same enthusiasm as others to see the World Cup-winning team in action here. Our goal was to inspire the younger generation’s interest in football,” he said.

Congress slams government

Meanwhile, Congress leaders raised a barrage of criticism alleging that the Sports Minister put Kerala in shame by breaching its contract with the AFA. “Messi is missing. The government has the responsibility to reply and clarify,” said Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president Sunny Joseph.

Shafi Parambil, MP, accused the State government of deceiving and betraying the people. “They must provide a transparent explanation, particularly in light of the Argentine Football Association’s claims that the government breached the contract,” he said.

He demanded accountability saying that the government must justify the public funds spent on the Argentine football team’s proposed visit. “If the breach of contract was not from the Argentine side, then the CPI(M) should foot the bill,” the MP said.

He slammed the State government for politicising football. “They exploited people’s love for the sport for political mileage. They made it a political project. And now they are saying it is the sponsor’s responsibility,” he said.