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.
The report presents the government's investigative actions and findings neutrally without taking a stance on the guilt of the parties involved.
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