Kerala-Mumbai City Clash Overshadowed by GCDA Media Room Controversy

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Kerala-Mumbai City Clash Overshadowed by GCDA Media Room Controversy

Basil Benoy

Modified - Feb 21, 2026, 09:04 AM

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Kerala-Mumbai City Clash Overshadowed by GCDA Media Room Controversy

Summary

Pre-match press conference ahead of Kerala Blasters vs Mumbai City FC was blocked at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi.
The move is reportedly linked to contract disagreements over stadium rent.
Police sealed the media room, leaving journalists stranded without answers.

In an unexpected turn of events, the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) blocked the Pre-Match Press Conference ahead of Kerala Blasters vs Mumbai City FC clash on February 22 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi. The move is expected to be the result of contract disagreements between GCDA and Kerala Blasters regarding stadium rent. The police locked the media room, leaving journalists gathered for the press conference stranded without definitive answers.

Why did GDCA block the Press Conference?

Ahead of the season kickoff, in a joint press conference by GCDA and Kerala Blasters, K. Chandram Pillai stated that the stadium rent had been reduced from the previously quoted 8.4 lakhs to 2 lakhs due to the club's financial constraints.
However, three days ahead of Kerala Blasters first home match against Mumbai City FC, GCDA quoted a higher rent amount, approximately 4.2 lakhs, to host the club’s home matches at Kochi. This has led to disagreements between the club and GCDA, leading to uncertainty regarding tomorrow’s clash.

Will the Kerala Blasters vs Mumbai City Match be Cancelled?

"We were acting on direct instructions from the GCDA to secure the room. While a foundational agreement between the Kerala Blasters and the GCDA exists, recent attempts to modify the terms have led to an impasse that remains unresolved. As of this moment, we have received no official confirmation regarding the status of tomorrow’s fixture”, security personnel informed Sportsdunia.

The media was already in the middle of setting up cameras and technical gear when the order came down. We were abruptly informed that GCDA’s top management had conveyed that the press conference be called off immediately, due to disputes over stadium rent and contract disagreements”, revealed by stadium officials to Sportsdunia.