Fraud in Messi’s name; Documents emerge contradicting former sports minister’s claim

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: More information in connection with the fraud in bringing Argentine football star Lionel Messi to Kerala has emerged. Former sports minister V Abdurahiman had claimed that it was the sports department that communicated with the Argentine Football Association (AFA). However, documents that have now surfaced prove that the communication was handled directly by Abdurahiman, contradicting his claim.

The emails sent by Abdurahiman to the football association have no connection with the sports secretary or the sports director. The copies of the letter dealings were sent only to the sponsor and AFA officials. In addition, a copy of the email was also sent to a private individual identified as Ameera Ayesha Beegum of Malappuram. She is a friend of the former minister.