Kerala Messi Match Plan Was a Massive Scam, Says Official Inquiry Report
The report cites crores in alleged irregularities, no binding contract and no proof the sponsor remitted $15 million to the Argentine Football Association.
- On Tuesday, Kerala Sports Minister O.J. Janeesh submitted a confidential inquiry report to Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan investigating the previous government's failed 2025 plan to bring Lionel Messi and the Argentina football team to Kochi.
- Former Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman announced the partnership in 2023, claiming Reporter Broadcasting Company would host the team at "no cost to the public exchequer" after securing necessary permissions.
- The inquiry uncovered significant irregularities, finding no formal contracts between parties and doubting the sponsor's claim of transferring ₹126 crore to the Argentine Football Association, citing lack of documentary and banking evidence.
- Following the indefinite postponement, the Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party launched a viral "Missing Messi" campaign, mocking the previous Left Democratic Front government's "fumbled attempt to slyly use the iconic footballer" for political gain.
- The report recommends probes into potential money laundering and service tax fraud, while Janeesh stated the government's focus is creating "many Messis" in Kerala by developing local football talent rather than pursuing international matches.
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Kerala Govt Likely To Probe Alleged Lapses In Previous LDF's Messi-Argentina Team Proposal
<p>Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 12 (PTI) The UDF government in Kerala is likely to order a probe into alleged irregularities and procedural lapses in the previous LDF government’s efforts to bring football legend Lionel Messi and the Argentina team to the state.</p> <p>Indicating the possibility of an investigation, state Sports Minister O J Janeesh on Wednesday rejected former minister V Abdurahiman’s defence of the proposal and alleged that governm…
The Sports Department has completed its investigation into the proposed Kerala tour of Lionel Messi and the Argentina football team. The department has submitted the report to the state government. The report, which has been kept confidential, raises serious questions about the lack of a clear agreement to bring Messi and the Argentina team to Kerala. The government will now decide further.
No financial loss to Keralam government: Ex-Sports Minister Abdurahiman on proposed Argentina match - The Tribune
Former Sports Minister V Abdurahiman said all government procedures were followed while efforts were made to bring the 2022 FIFA World Cup-winning Argentina football team to Keralam for a friendly match.
Foul play: Bid for Messi’s Kerala visit leaves ₹126 crore mess
An inquiry into a Kerala government's plan to host Argentina found financial irregularities and rule breaches, with no evidence of a 126 crore.Lionel Messi Kerala visit, Argentina football team Kerala, Kerala football deal controversy, financial irregularities sports department, foreign exchange violations Kerala, money laundering laws probe, Sports Department inquiry report,
Lionel Messi visit row: Kerala sports department submits probe report to government
Kerala's Sports Department has submitted a confidential report on the failed plan to bring Lionel Messi and Argentina to the state. The findings now push a politically charged controversy into formal government scrutiny.
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