Abdurahiman’s account is that the agreement would be between the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and the sponsor, rather than the state government. He says a government order made clear that the match expenses would be paid privately, and that using a sponsor suited the AFA’s preference to avoid a direct commercial deal with the government.
He also says the proposal received approvals from the central government’s sports and finance ministries. According to his account, the sponsor obtained Reserve Bank of India approval to make a payment to the AFA through a public-sector bank. The report says a first prospective sponsor failed to meet the required conditions before another company was selected.
The dispute is not only about who would pay. Abdurahiman rejected claims that the state sports department was unaware of the negotiations, calling that version “completamente falsa” - “completely false.” He argues that the central approvals could only have followed a request from the department’s secretary.
He also described as “altamente maliciosa” - “highly malicious” - an allegation that the sponsor was offered rights to Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kaloor in exchange for renovation work. His explanation is that inviting Argentina, with its large following in Kerala and the appeal of Lionel Messi, formed part of a broader effort to develop sport through international cooperation.
Whether the proposed friendly can move forward will depend on the sponsorship arrangement and the scrutiny surrounding its approvals and venue plans. For now, the key test is whether the paperwork can support Abdurahiman’s account and restore confidence in the project.