Argentina to set up football academy in Malappuram, says Sports Minister

Malappuram: The reigning world champions Argentina will set up a football academy in Kerala to support and promote the sport in the state, state Sports Minister V Abdurahiman has said.

According to him, the decision was made at a meeting with Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), held at the Spanish capital of Madrid. 

"The academy will function under the director control of the AFA. It will be based at the proposed stadium in Malappuram," the minister told Manorama over phone from Madrid. 

At the meeting, the office-bearers of the AFA have expressed keenness to establish football academies across Kerala in collaboration with the state government. The AFA officials also thanked Kerala's football fans for constantly supporting their national side, the minister said.

Earlier, the AFA had expressed its keenness to enter into a partnership with the state government to promote football talent together.

Will Argentina play in Kerala?

The minister informed that a final decision on hosting a  friendly match of the Argentina national team in the state will be made in November. "An AFA delegation will visit Kerala in the first week of November to have a look at the stadium, playing surface and other amenities. The decision will be based on assessment of the facilities," he said.

The minister, accompanied by officials of the state sports department, reached Madrid the other day to invite the Argentine national team to play in the state.