Now Reading: Kerala CM says serious lapses in failed Messi visit, probe next
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Kerala CM says serious lapses in failed Messi visit, probe next
Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Thursday said the sports department's report on the failed 2023 plan to bring Lionel Messi and the Argentina team to the state contains 'very serious…
The Story in Brief
Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Thursday said the sports department's report on the failed 2023 plan to bring Lionel Messi and the Argentina team to the state contains 'very serious allegations'. Speaking after a cabinet meeting, he said the government is examining the report and will decide on further investigation soon. State sports minister O J Janeesh had submitted the confidential report to the CM on Wednesday.
The report highlights that the first sponsor firm, GoatAd, was registered just 20 days before approaching the government and had a capital of only Rs 1 lakh. It also flags the absence of proof that the eventual sponsor, RBC, paid Rs 126 crore to the Argentina Football Association. Former sports minister V Abdurahiman, who championed the event, denies all wrongdoing, saying rules were followed and no public money was lost. The report recommends a probe by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau or a special police team.
The Indian Opinion
The Messi match fiasco is a textbook case of political showmanship trumping due process. Both sides have been quick to trade accusations, the LDF claiming it was a legitimate effort, the UDF calling it a fraud. But the real story is in the details: a firm with Rs 1 lakh capital allegedly handling a Rs 126 crore deal, and GST evasion notices that went cold. The test now is whether the investigation will follow the money trail wherever it leads, even if it implicates officials from the previous government. Will the CM order a central agency probe, or keep it within the state police?
Sources (3): hindustantimes.com, hindustantimes.com (2), newindianexpress.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 3 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 3 sources.
