Kochi could host a football friendly between two European powerhouses, FC Barcelona and AC Milan, if the Kerala Football Association (KFA) could provide a venue with international standards within a deadline, according to a Malayalam daily.
The teams are expected to play one match each in Goa and Kerala in 2012 January or February. If Kerala fails to provide a venue with international standards the baton will be passed onto Bengaluru, 'Mathrubhumi' reported on Wednesday.
Indian Football Evolution (IFE), a football event management group, is the mastermind behind this glamour event. The only thing that casts on the mind of the organisers about giving Kerala a chance is the fact that KFA has no International venue of its own.
Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, which is the only international stadium in Kerala, is leased by cricket association and will host Kerala’s Ranji Trophy home matches.
The organisers of the friendly had visited Nehru Stadium but was unhappy to see the changes done to it to hold cricket matches, reports the regional daily.