Messi event row: Keralam CM orders constitution of SIT for anti-corruption, suspected tax fraud inquiry
The Kerala Chief Minister has ordered a Special Investigation Team to probe alleged corruption and tax evasion regarding a 2025 exhibition match featuring Lionel Messi. The inquiry focuses on a ₹126 crore wire transfer by a broadcasting company that allegedly bypassed mandatory tax obligations and regulatory clearances.
Why it matters
This case highlights potential high-level financial irregularities and lack of transparency in government-backed sports event management.
Keralam Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Monday directed the Home Department to constitute a special investigation team (SIT) for a sweeping anti-corruption and suspected tax fraud inquiry into the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government’s “botched-up” endeavour to bring the 2021 FIFA World Cup-winning Argentina team and its iconic captain, Lionel Messi, for a friendly exhibition match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi in August 2025.
Officials told The Hindu that Mr. Satheesan had sent a letter to Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala flagging the findings of the Finance department’s recently concluded inquiry into the suspected Goods and Services Tax (GST) evasion on foreign remittances made by the sponsor, a television news broadcasting company, ostensibly to secure the presence of Messi and his famed team.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in