INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
the high cost involved in hosting the world champions
Argentina had slots for two friendlies this month between June 12 and June 20 and were keen to play these games in south Asia, given the
The kind of money that Argentina command (as appearance fee) is huge and we have limitations in terms of our economic situation in
(approximately Rs 32-40 crore)
could come up with the necessary funds at short notice, prompting the world champions to play Australia in Beijing on June 15 and Indonesia
in Jakarta on June 19.The world champions are understood to have passed on the chance to play friendlies in the United States during this
window as it embarks on a plan to capitalise on its global appeal.Given the disparity in rankings between Argentina and India, AIFF would
have had to arrange another team to play the world champions
Argentina are ranked world No
1 while India are ranked hundred places behind at 101
(AFP Photo)Diaz, head of international relations at the Argentina FA, has continued talks with Prabhakaran and the two countries could,
Argentina have played in India before: in 2011 when Messi captained the team to a solitary goal win against Venezuela at the Salt Lake
stadium where 85,000 spectators watched and then went home delirious with joy
This time around, India would have seen Messi and Argentina as world champions for the first time, but at a huge cost.
