The much-publicised plan to bring Lionel Messi and the Argentina football team to Kerala has come under a cloud of serious financial and procedural questions, with an inquiry by the Department of Sports flagging alleged irregularities involving nearly Rs 126 crore.
The inquiry report, prepared by Sports Department Special Secretary N Prasanth and submitted to Sports Minister O J Janeesh, has recommended further investigation by the Vigilance Department and central agencies. The report has now been forwarded to the Chief Minister for further action.
At the centre of the controversy is the claim by Reporter Broadcasting Company (RBC), the sponsor associated with the proposed Argentina visit, that it had paid around Rs 126 crore at the time – to the Argentine Football Association.
However, the Sports Department inquiry reportedly found no proper evidence that could establish that the amount was actually transferred to or received by the AFA or the Argentina team. The inquiry also found that there was no formal agreement between the AFA and the Kerala government, or between the sponsor and the state government, confirming the proposed visit.
The report questioned the authenticity of the sponsor’s claim that the Argentina team would come to Kerala, noting that the promise was not backed by sufficient official or legally binding documents.
The sponsor had sought permission through the state government to transfer the money abroad through a US-based agency. However, the report notes that the US agency was itself facing scrutiny in the United States over alleged financial offences.
More importantly, despite obtaining permission for the proposed foreign transfer, the sponsor allegedly failed to produce documents proving that the transaction had actually taken place.
The inquiry has also raised questions over how the private sponsor was selected and how the government machinery was used for the proposed event.
According to the report, established government procedures were not followed in selecting the sponsor. It further alleges that the government system was used in a manner that benefited RBC.
The financial dealings connected with the proposed event were also found to lack adequate transparency, according to the inquiry.
No Authentic Proof Of Messi, Argentina Team Visit
The proposed Kerala visit of Lionel Messi and the Argentina team had generated enormous public interest, with the event being projected as a major sporting spectacle. However, the Sports Department inquiry has now questioned whether the sponsor had sufficient documentary authority to make such a commitment in the first place.
The report found that the claim that the Argentina national team would visit Kerala was not supported by authentic documents. Following the inquiry, the Sports Department has recommended further investigation into the alleged financial and procedural irregularities.
The report has been forwarded to the Chief Minister’s Office, which is expected to take a decision on further action, including the proposed Vigilance and central-agency probes.