Why Kerala Government mulls a multi-agency probe into the failed bid to bring Messi and company to Kochi? | Explained

The Kerala government is contemplating a multi-agency probe into the previous LDF government's failed attempt to bring Lionel Messi and the Argentina national football team to Kochi for an international friendly. The Sports Department's inquiry has identified alleged financial irregularities, significant procedural shortcomings, and potential breaches of foreign exchange and money laundering laws.

The controversy revolves around thesponsorship deal involving Reporter Broadcasting Company (RBC), which allegedly paid $15 million (₹126 crore) to the Argentine Football Association (AFA) for the visit. However, the inquiry found no evidence to substantiate the claimed payment or the existence of a formal agreement between Kerala and the AFA.

Another firm, Gold and Global, had offered to finance the entire event but appeared to have been registered briefly and lacked a solid capital base. The inquiry uncovered serious procedural lapses during the selection process, including the bypassing of mandatory steps like public tenders. The sponsor, RBC, signed an agreement with the AFA just days before the government initiated steps to bring the Argentine team to Kerala.

The Sports Kerala Foundation, a non-profit entity under the Sports Department, was supposed to oversee the project, while RBC was allowed to organize two exhibition matches. The absence of a proper contractual framework between RBC and the state raised questions about the authenticity of the government's assurance to provide security for the Argentina team.

The inquiry has also criticized the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) for handing over the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to the sponsor for renovation without proper documentation or adherence to procedures.