Confidential Report Submitted on Elusive Messi Kerala Visit
Lionel Messi, whose proposed visit to Kerala has been the subject of a state inquiry. (PTI Photo)
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government has concluded its much-anticipated inquiry into the highly publicized, yet ultimately unfulfilled, proposed visit of football icon Lionel Messi and the Argentine national team to the state. The Sports Department has submitted a comprehensive report, though its findings remain under wraps due to its confidential nature.
Speaking to the press on Monday, Sports Minister O J Janeesh confirmed the submission of the report, prepared by the Sports Department Special Secretary after a thorough examination of available files. However, Janeesh refrained from disclosing any specifics, emphasizing the report’s classification as “highly confidential.”
“The report has been submitted to the government in a highly confidential manner. I can divulge only this much at the moment. The government will take an appropriate decision on it and inform everyone,” Minister Janeesh stated, underscoring the sensitivity of the matter.
The inquiry was initiated in response to persistent queries from fervent football fans and the media regarding the mysterious cancellation of the earlier government’s ambitious plans to host Messi and his World Cup-winning squad. The promise of such a high-profile visit had generated immense excitement across the football-mad state.
“Football lovers had also demanded an inquiry. When we conducted necessary examinations, we felt that further investigation was required,” Janeesh added, highlighting the public demand that prompted the detailed review.
What the Inquiry Looked Into
The Sports Department’s investigation delved into critical procedural aspects, specifically examining whether the necessary rules and protocols for facilitating the visit of an international football team or player to India were adhered to. Unconfirmed reports suggest the inquiry uncovered significant irregularities, including the alleged absence of a clear and binding agreement to bring Messi and the Argentine team to Kerala. Minister Janeesh, however, maintained his stance of silence regarding both the specific findings and any financial details associated with the proposed visit.
The controversy first surfaced during the tenure of former Sports Minister V Abdurahiman, who had repeatedly announced the impending visit of Messi and the Argentine team. Abdurahiman had publicly affirmed that all requisite permissions had been secured and that the proposed match fee had been disbursed by a sponsor. Despite these assurances, the visit ultimately did not materialize, with Abdurahiman later citing logistical challenges for Argentina in traveling to Kerala at the designated time.
Former Minister Rejects Allegations
In response to the current inquiry and any implied criticisms, former Sports Minister V Abdurahiman has vehemently rejected all allegations. He asserted that his government had followed all required procedures and that the state exchequer did not incur even a “single rupee” in losses. Abdurahiman clarified that the agreement in question was primarily between the Argentina Football Association (AFA) and a private sponsor, thereby absolving the government of any direct financial liability.
“Therefore, the claim that the Sports Department was unaware of the proceedings is completely false,” Abdurahiman contended, refuting suggestions of a lack of oversight.
He further explained the involvement of a private sponsor by stating that football associations typically operate as private entities. “That is why a private sponsor was brought in. AFA had also conveyed its preference for such an arrangement,” he elaborated, defending the chosen operational model.
Minister Janeesh concluded by emphasizing that the government’s overarching objective extends beyond merely bringing Messi to Kerala. He articulated a broader vision for the state, aimed at nurturing and developing local football talent to “create many Messis” within Kerala itself, signaling a long-term strategy for sports development.
