Kerala Sets Stage with FIFA Ready Stadium for Global Matches

When the entire world is preparing to witness the upcoming FIFA World Cup, why should Kerala take a backseat? The Kerala budget 2026-27 saw a major sports allocation boost of 51.9% to ₹220.86 crore, which includes several significant sports infrastructural announcements like the 25-acre high-tech sports city based in Kuniya, Kasaragod.

After the Messi visit buzz, where the GOAT Lionel Messi was to visit Kerala, among the several constraints that prevented it, lack of FIFA-compliant stadiums to host the Argentinian team gave a necessary kickstart to revamping infrastructure for necessity is the mother of invention.

In a landmark announcement made by the finance minister K.N. Balagopal during the budget session, a mega sports city is being planned in Kannur.

The multisport complex shall contain FIH-standard hockey arenas along with diversified sports training and competition facilities. A southern counterpart to the Arunachal-based stadium in compliance with FIFA guidelines, the star of the complex shall be the ₹10 crore worth of FIFA-compliant stadium to host international football matches and honor the football culture of the area. The complex shall also host a 5-star hotel complex along with multifaceted shopping areas.

Among other allocations, mention should be made of the ₹12 crore for strengthening the grassroots-level sporting environment in two states. One panchayat, one playground is another ₹28 crore worth initiative that is turning heads. The Paralympics were also prioritized, whereby ₹1 crore has been set aside to face the special abilities.