# Kerala BJP seeks CBI probe into Messi event finances

2026-08-14T12:55:28+00:00 | Politics | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 2 independent outlets

The Kerala BJP has sought a CBI investigation into alleged procedural and financial irregularities in the previous LDF government’s plan to bring Lionel Messi and the Argentina football team to the State. BJP leader S. Suresh alleged that crores were misused and demanded a criminal case over suspected GST evasion. He also questioned a reported USD 4 million contractual penalty and said the sponsor amended its agreement without the government’s knowledge. Mathrubhumi reports that Tour Prod Enter, which handled sponsor payments, is under FBI scrutiny over suspected money laundering involving $300 million. The report says RBC transferred Rs 126 crore to the Argentine Football Association through the company. Kerala’s Sports Department is conducting a preliminary examination.

## Coverage

- thehindu.com <https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kerala-bjp-seeks-cbi-probe-into-alleged-irregularities-in-proposed-visit-of-messi-and-argentina-football-team/article71344933.ece>
- english.mathrubhumi.com <https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/messi-controversy-firm-that-handled-rs-126-crore-sponsor-funds-under-fbi-scanner-uzgxpr1c>

Tags: Argentina national football team, BJP, CBI, Kerala, Lionel Messi, Pinarayi Vijayan
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