Kerala Forms SIT to Probe Alleged Lapses in Argentina-Messi Match Bid

Kerala has ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into alleged irregularities surrounding the previous LDF government’s unsuccessful effort to bring the Argentina national football team, led by Lionel Messi, to Kochi for a proposed friendly match.

Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said the decision followed a legal opinion from the Director General of Prosecution, which identified “several legal issues” requiring detailed examination. The SIT will be headed by ADGP P Vijayan with an SP and DySP.

The controversy began after the UDF government took office and the Sports Department flagged alleged procedural and financial lapses. Its findings were sent to Chief Minister V D Satheesan, who recommended a detailed Home Department investigation.

The earlier process involved then Sports Minister V Abdurahiman and his office, Sports Department officials, the Sports Kerala Foundation, private sponsor Reporter Broadcasting Corporation (RBC) and the Argentine Football Association (AFA). Former Sports Department Secretary Pranab Jyothinath and Director P Vishnuraj were involved in efforts connected with the visit.

Departmental scrutiny raised questions over sponsor selection, government approvals, foreign payments and the use of official machinery. Concerns included procurement procedures, sponsor financial capacity and required approvals.

Financial investigators have also examined a reported foreign transfer of about Rs 126 crore by the sponsoring company and a potential service-tax liability. Questions concern the transaction’s purpose, tax treatment and foreign-exchange compliance. The probe could also examine possible money-laundering implications and offshore dealings.

The SIT will examine the decision-making process, including the Argentina proposal, sponsor selection, official communications, government permissions, foreign remittances, stadium-related decisions and the financial trail. It will determine whether laws or procedures were violated.

Depending on its findings, the government could initiate disciplinary proceedings, criminal action or financial and tax investigations. Matters could be referred to the Enforcement Directorate, GST, Income Tax or vigilance agencies.

Chennithala said the SIT must establish facts and submit its report quickly. The investigation itself does not automatically establish guilt or wrongdoing; further action will depend on evidence and applicable law.