Messi event: CM promises refunds for 33,000 fans

KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has assured that efforts are being made to refund the money paid by around 33,000 fans who purchased tickets to see Lionel Messi, following the controversy over the football star’s appearance at the Yuva Bharati Stadium. He said an internal process had already been initiated to facilitate the refunds, with the money to be returned from the state’s sports budget.

Messi visited Kolkata on December 13, 2025. The event organised at the Yuva Bharati Stadium was marred by chaos and overcrowding. Allegations of mismanagement during the programme led to controversy. Fans who had paid Rs 4,000 and Rs 6,000 for tickets to see Messi had subsequently demanded refunds.

Speaking at a National Sports Day programme held at Nabanna, Adhikari said he was trying to ensure that the money paid by around 33,000 sports enthusiasts was returned. He said the process had already been initiated internally, but did not provide details on the refund mechanism or when the payments would begin.

Adhikari also said Rs 400 crore had been allocated for the sports sector under the government’s current budget, clarifying that the allocation covered an eight-month period rather than a full financial year.

The government plans to construct mini indoor stadiums in all 294 Assembly constituencies. The facilities will include tennis and badminton courts and gymnasiums. Adhikari said 100 such stadiums would be constructed in the first phase this year. He also alleged that the previous government had neglected the sports sector and failed to provide the necessary infrastructure.