Kochi is gearing up for the international friendly football match between Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, and Australia at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on November 17. In anticipation of the high-profile event, the district administration and police have put stringent security measures in place.
As part of these preparations, commercial establishments and offices around the stadium complex will remain closed for a month. The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) has issued notices to over 100 shop owners and tenants, directing them to shut down their businesses from October 25 for one month to ensure safety during the match.
Following the notices, shop owners, led by the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium Shop Owners Association, met with GCDA Chairperson K. Chandran Pillai. They requested the shutdown period be reduced from a month to one week, citing significant financial impact on their businesses. While discussions on compensation took place, GCDA clarified that decisions regarding reimbursement fall under the state government’s authority.
Shop owners have submitted a memorandum to the Sports and Industries Ministers and the GCDA chairperson, seeking clarity on how compensation will be calculated and distributed. The temporary closure will affect more than 100 businesses and over 1,000 employees. Discussions regarding temporary relocation of shops have been deemed impractical.
During the 2017 FIFA Under-17 World Cup matches held at the stadium, shops were closed for 43 days. Although a security deposit of ₹25 lakh was collected from sponsors for compensation, most shop owners received less than ₹1 lakh, with many receiving nothing. A clause introduced in 2021 stated that if matches were canceled, shop owners would not be eligible for compensation.
The upcoming match is part of a friendly series between the current World Cup champions Argentina and Australia. Tournament sponsors, Reporter Broadcasting Company, confirmed the fixture in a press release and stated that ticket prices will be announced in the coming days. The Argentine Football Association has officially confirmed the date.
Fans will also get the chance to watch Messi and his team during a pre-match training session. The event will feature a special concert by A.R. Rahman, a performance by rapper Hanumankind, and a drone show.
Stadium preparations are underway at an estimated cost of ₹70 crore. Sponsors stated that renovations are being carried out to meet FIFA standards and provide world-class facilities, including new seating arrangements, high-intensity international-standard lighting, and upgraded VIP galleries and pavilions. Over 2,000 workers are involved, and the upgrades are expected to be completed within 30 days.
Official ticket pricing will be announced within the next two days. Any current reports regarding ticket prices are false, according to Anto Augustine, Managing Director of Reporter Broadcasting Company. Official sales are expected to begin on October 18 or 19.
