Ahead of Argentina’s football friendly in Kochi, shops near Kaloor stadium told to close for a month due to security protocol

The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) has served notices to over 100 tenants — mostly traders — around the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Kaloor, Kochi, Kerala, ordering a month-long shutdown from October 25 as part of the security protocol for the international friendly match between the Lionel Messi-led defending World Cup champions Argentina and Australia, to be played at the stadium on November 17.

Upon receiving the notice earlier this week, traders under the aegis of the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium Shop Owners Association held meetings with GCDA chairperson K. Chandran Pillai, requesting that the shutdown be reduced to a week from a month, which they felt was too long and would take a toll on their businesses. However, that request was deemed non-negotiable.

Although compensation was discussed, the GCDA stated that it was beyond its mandate and that the decision rested with the Kerala government.

Traders submit memorandum

Traders have submitted a memorandum to the Sports Minister, Industries Minister, and the GCDA chairperson seeking clarity on how the proposed compensation would be calculated and how quickly it would be disbursed.

“The shutdown will affect over 100 tenants, impacting around 1,000 individuals, including staff, and nearly 4,000 when their families are also counted. The possibility of temporary relocation was also discussed, though a sudden shift at short notice would not be feasible for most,” said P.R. Jijikumar, association president.

During the FIFA Under-17 World Cup matches hosted at the stadium in 2017, shops were shut for 43 days, prompting traders to approach the Kerala High Court. Although a security deposit of ₹25 lakh was collected from sponsors at that time for compensation, only a few traders received substantial amounts, while the majority received less than ₹1 lakh.

Additionally, the GCDA in 2021 included a clause stating that traders would not be entitled to compensation in the event of a shutdown for matches. During Indian Super League (ISL) matches hosted at the Kaloor stadium, shops remain closed on match days without any compensation.

Meanwhile, preparations are under way in and around the stadium ahead of the high-profile match, expected to draw unprecedented crowds.