Kerala Probe Report on Failed Messi Visit Submitted to Chief Minister
An inquiry report into the alleged lapses surrounding a proposed 2023 visit by Lionel Messi and the Argentina team to Kerala has been submitted to Chief Minister VD Satheesan. The report examines compliance with Indian regulations for hosting international teams and issues concerning the event's spo
Key takeaways
- An inquiry report concerning the failed 2023 visit of Lionel Messi and the Argentina team to Kerala has been submitted to Chief Minister VD Satheesan.
- The report, prepared by the Kerala sports department, investigates alleged lapses and compliance with Indian regulations for hosting international teams.
- Concerns raised include the financial standing of the sponsor, GoatAd, its link to the broadcasting firm RBC, and the absence of proof of payment to the Argentina Football Association.
- The report recommends further investigation by state police agencies.
- Former sports minister V Abdurahiman denies any corruption or financial loss to the state exchequer.
An inquiry report detailing alleged lapses in the former sports minister V Abdurahiman's office concerning a planned 2023 visit by football star Lionel Messi and the Argentina team has been submitted to Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan. Sports and Youth Affairs Minister OJ Janeesh announced the submission on Tuesday, stating the report was prepared under the supervision of sports department special secretary N Prasanth and has been passed to the Chief Minister for further action.
The proposed event, intended to be an exhibition match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi, was announced in 2023 by then-sports minister Abdurahiman. The state government was to partner with Reporter Broadcasting Corporation (RBC) to host the team at no cost to public funds. Abdurahiman had stated he met with Argentina Football Association (AFA) officials in Spain and that the AFA had agreed to send the delegation, including Messi. However, the event did not occur.
Football enthusiasts in Kerala requested an inquiry into why the event failed to materialize. The investigation focused on whether Indian rules and regulations for hosting international players or teams were followed. The report's findings, partly broadcast by local media, indicated that the initial sponsor to approach the state government, GoatAd, was registered shortly before and had minimal capital. This firm shared an address with RBC, which ultimately became the sponsor.
Additionally, the report noted a lack of evidence that the private sponsor paid the reported ₹126 crore to the AFA. There was also no confirmation from the AFA about the team playing in Kerala, even as the sports department sought Union government permission for a match in October 2025. The report recommends further investigation by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) or a special investigation team of the Kerala police.
Former minister Abdurahiman has refuted claims of corruption or impropriety, stating that all efforts to host the team were compliant with rules and did not result in financial loss to the state. He indicated that initial steps to bring the squad to India had received permissions from Union ministries and that RBI approval was secured for the sponsor to cover costs, with payment made through a public-sector bank.
Sources reviewed
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