Kerala Launches Deep Probe into Messi's Failed 2025 Visit Deal Amid Corruption Fears

Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has ordered a detailed probe into the controversial agreement behind football superstar Lionel Messi proposed (and now cancelled) 2025 visit to the state, citing 'very serious allegations' of procedural lapses and potential Goods and Services Tax (GST) violations. This move follows a preliminary report from the Kerala Sports Department that flagged significant irregularities, including the alleged misuse of government machinery and a lack of transparency in awarding the agreement to a private entity. The unfolding investigation targets an alleged ₹156 crore in suspected GST evasion and questionable foreign remittances. The controversy intensified after the Sports Department inquiry found that the document from the Argentine Football Association (AFA) was merely a brochure, not an Official Commitment Letter for Messi's appearance, despite claims made by the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government. The agreement to bring Messi for a friendly match at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi was allegedly handed to Reporter Broadcasting Company (RBC) without inviting an Expression of Interest (EOI), raising questions about fairness and due process. Former Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman, under the previous administration, had asserted that all necessary permissions were in place, but the current United Democratic Front (UDF) government suspects a large-scale financial irregularity that left football fans disappointed. Now, the Finance Department is actively investigating alleged negligence and potential losses to the state exchequer, with Chief Minister Satheesan not ruling out involving central agencies if fraud is confirmed. Sports Minister O.J. Janeesh emphasized that the probe is not just about financial loss, but also the alleged use of government resources to benefit a private entity, signalling a potential referral to the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB). This comprehensive inquiry is expected to uncover further details, potentially leading to accountability and reforms in how such large-scale events are organised in the state, while the state government reiterates its commitment to genuine sports promotion and local talent development.