Kerala Governor Approves Legal Action Against Former Sports Minister Over Messi Controversy
Keralas Governor has sanctioned action against ex-sports minister V. Abdurahiman linked to corruption in a failed Messi event.
Thiruvananthapuram, November 12 (Daily Kiran) : The Governor of Kerala, Om Prakash Mathur, has granted permission to initiate legal proceedings against former Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman in connection with a corruption case. This case revolves around the unsuccessful attempt to bring football superstar Lionel Messi and the Argentine national team to Kerala.
The controversy began during the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, led by Pinarayi Vijayan, when the proposal for Messi’s visit was announced in 2024. Despite repeated promises, the football icon and his team never arrived in the state.
The inquiry also involves Abdurahiman’s former private secretary, C. Satyapalan, the former president of the Kerala Sports Council, U. Sharaf Ali, and the event sponsor, Reporter Broadcasting Company (RBC). The state government has already approved action against Satyapalan and Sharaf Ali.
Since Abdurahiman was a minister during the alleged irregularities, the Governor’s approval was essential for proceeding against him.
A special investigation team (SIT) led by ADGP P. Vijayan found discrepancies in the selection of the sponsor and the arrangements for the proposed visit. The SIT has recommended action against Abdurahiman and others for corruption.
The investigation also scrutinizes financial transactions linked to the event, including a transfer of ₹126 crore to foreign accounts through an American agency, purportedly as payment to the Argentine Football Association (AFA).
Additionally, the role of RBC, the sponsorship agreement, and the circumstances under which Kochi’s Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium was allocated to the company are under investigation. Another allegation involves a ₹22.68 crore GST evasion.
The SIT is examining the details of Abdurahiman’s foreign travel related to the proposed event, as well as any violations of government regulations regarding sponsor selection and facilitation.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is also investigating potential violations of foreign exchange laws.
Abdurahiman has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that all efforts to bring Messi and the Argentine team to Kerala were made in good faith. What was initially presented as a major international football event has now escalated into a probe involving corruption, financial irregularities, and possible violations of foreign exchange and tax laws.
