SIT Questions Former Keralam Sports Minister Over Failed Argentina Team Match Plan

Former Keralam Sports Minister V Abdurahiman was reportedly questioned by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged irregularities in connection with the failed attempt to organise a football match featuring the Lionel Messi-led Argentina team in Kochi.

According to reports, the SIT questioned Abdurahiman in Malappuram on Thursday after issuing him a notice in connection with the probe. The Keralam Home Minister's office, SIT head P Vijayan and Abdurahiman have not yet responded to queries regarding the questioning.

Abdurahiman was the Sports Minister in the previous LDF government when the initiative to host a match featuring the Argentina football team in Kochi was taken. A sponsor was also selected for organising the proposed event.

However, the much-anticipated match did not take place as planned, prompting questions over the arrangements and financial aspects associated with the initiative. After the UDF government came to power, the Sports Department submitted a report to the Chief Minister highlighting alleged irregularities in the attempt to organise the match.

Following the report, the government constituted an SIT to investigate the matter. A case was subsequently registered against the sponsor associated with the proposed event.

The investigation is examining the circumstances surrounding the failed match initiative and the alleged irregularities flagged by the Sports Department.

Abdurahiman, however, has not been made an accused in the case so far. His reported questioning by the SIT comes as part of the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the proposed Argentina team appearance in Kochi.

The proposed match had generated considerable interest among football fans in Keralam, given the popularity of Argentina and its captain Lionel Messi in the state. The SIT is expected to examine various aspects of the initiative, including the role of the sponsor and the process through which the event was planned.

Further details about the questioning and the findings of the investigation are awaited.