Muslim Youth League leader P.K. Firoz seeks VACB enquiry into the ‘Messi affair’
He said an enquiry had revealed grave irregularities as well as the fact that shady financial transactions had taken place on behalf of the LDF government and the AFA
P.K. Firoz, the Muslim Youth League State General Secretary and MLA, has called for an investigation by the State Vigilance and Anti Corruption Bureau into the failed attempt by the previous LDF government to bring Argentine Football Association (AFA) and its star player Lionel Messi to Kerala. Firoz stated that the LDF government had spent approximately ₹130 crore on the deal, which involved a private sponsor, a television news broadcasting company, and the AFA, all in violation of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and other regulations.
At a press conference, Firoz alleged that Sports Special Secretary N. Prasanth conducted an enquiry into the "Messi affair", uncovering "grave irregularities" and shady financial transactions involving the Kerala government and the AFA. Despite Firoz raising concerns about the manner in which the then LDF government selected a private sponsor and entered into a contract for the event, including Kochi Jawaharlal Nehru stadium refurbishing at ₹70-100 crore, the LDF government remained silent.
Firoz emphasized that the AFA, including its president and treasurer, face multiple financial and disciplinary investigations in the United States and Argentina, with the US FBI currently looking into money laundering allegations. Firoz demanded answers about the involvement of the television broadcasting company in the dubious financial deals, the role of then Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman in bringing the AFA to Kerala, and the grand announcement made by him in Spain.
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