Multi-crore fraud using Messi’s name uncovered in Kerala.; No evidence of payment to AFA

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The investigation report of the sports department has found that a massive financial fraud worth crores happened during the tenure of the Pinarayi Vijayan government over the announcement of bringing football legend Lionel Messi and the Argentina national team to Kerala. There is no evidence to substantiate the claim that Rs 126 crore was handed over to the Argentina Football Association (AFA).

The report states that the friendly match announced in July 2023 was made without the knowledge of the Argentina team and that there are no records proving that an agreement was signed. Reports say N Prasanth, special secretary of the sports department, submitted the investigation report to Sports Minister O J Janeesh. Since the report found evidence of a multi-crore fraud and violations of rules, it has also recommended investigations by the vigilance department and central agencies into possible violations of foreign exchange regulations and money laundering.

The sponsor was selected unilaterally without inviting tenders. Although the sponsoring company claims that the Argentina Football Association (AFA) was paid Rs 126 crore, government files contain no records showing that the money was transferred or received by the team. There are also no records with the government confirming that an agreement was signed between the AFA and the state government, or between the sponsor and the government.

The sponsor had sought central government permission through the state government to transfer the money through a US-based agency. Reports say this agency is facing an investigation into financial crimes in the United States.