Thiruvananthapuram, August 31: Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the controversial efforts made last year to bring Lionel Messi and the Argentina football team to the state. He has recommended the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine all aspects of the case from its inception.
Satheesan has forwarded the file to the Home Department. It is likely that a senior police officer will lead the investigation. The scope of the inquiry will be extensive, covering not only the financial transactions related to the proposed event but also the decisions and government approvals that paved the way for this project.
Key questions for investigators will include how the ‘Reporter Broadcasting Company’ was selected as a sponsor. Were any irregular steps taken to benefit this private company? What was the source and flow of the funds?
The investigation will also look into the circumstances surrounding the allocation of Kochi Stadium, government orders and approvals, agreements made in relation to the event, and foreign trips taken in the name of bringing Messi and the Argentina team to Kerala.
This investigation is particularly significant as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is already probing a transfer of ₹126 crores under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) related to this project.
The ED is investigating alleged violations of foreign exchange regulations concerning payments made to foreign sports management companies. They are examining bank records, agreements, and the entities involved.
The agency has also requested documents from the GST department and the then Sports Department, investigating the role of private sponsors, corporate entities, and financial agencies outside Kerala that allegedly funded the ‘Reporter Broadcasting Company.’
It is expected that this new state investigation will go beyond the scope of FEMA, allowing investigators to scrutinize government files, bank transactions, contracts, and the entire decision-making process. Allegations of hawala transactions, money laundering, and shell companies are also part of this extensive inquiry, although these remain unconfirmed at this stage.
The Kerala Vigilance Department is also set to investigate alleged financial irregularities and the roles of officials associated with ‘Reporter TV’ and the project. What began as a major sports initiative under the previous Pinarayi Vijayan government has now escalated into a significant financial and administrative controversy. Multiple agencies are now looking into how the dream of bringing Messi was conceived, how funds were raised, and ultimately, how the plan failed.
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