Argentina football friendly: Traders at Kaloor stadium in Kerala get partial reprieve as shutdown cut to three weeks

Traders around the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium at Kaloor in Kochi, Kerala, received a partial reprieve as the originally proposed one-month closure was reduced to three weeks as part of the security protocol for the international friendly match between World Cup champions Argentina and Australia, led by Lionel Messi, scheduled to be held at the stadium on November 17.

More than 100 tenants initially occupying rented spaces at the stadium were instructed to close their businesses for one month, effective October 25. However, after a meeting with the chairman of the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA), which owns the stadium, the closure was postponed and came into force on 30 October, with the possibility of reopening on 20 November.

Traders who received the notice earlier this month held meetings with the GCDA chairman and demanded that the closure be reduced from one month to one week, arguing that such a long closure would severely impact their businesses. But during initial discussions, GCDA maintained that a one-month closure was non-negotiable.

Alternative areas

“Many traders are planning to relocate temporarily. GCDA has responded positively to the idea of ​​providing alternative space and compensation for the closure period, but further clarification is needed on these issues,” said PR Jijikumar, president of Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium Store Owners Association.

GCDA sources said alternative spaces can be arranged upon request at Kaloor Shopping Complex or other premises, but residents will have to pay for the space.

Although GCDA maintains that compensation is outside its jurisdiction and is a decision to be made by the State government, traders remain hopeful of receiving compensation for the closure period.

During the FIFA Under-17 World Cup matches held at the stadium in 2017, traders received compensation for the 43-day closure, albeit by court order. At that time, a deposit of ₹25 lakh was collected from sponsors as compensation, but only a few traders received significant amounts, while the majority received less than ₹1 lakh.

Additionally, in 2021, the GCDA introduced a clause stating that investors will not be entitled to compensation if matches are closed. During the Indian Super League (ISL) matches played at the Kaloor stadium, shops remained closed on match days without any compensation.