KOCHI, India — The controversy over football legend Lionel Messi’s proposed visit to Kerala has escalated into a political storm, with Congress leaders alleging that the event was linked to questionable financial dealings surrounding the renovation of Kaloor International Stadium.
Congress MP Hibi Eden claimed the project involved “serious financial irregularities” and called for a comprehensive investigation into all transactions connected to the renovation. He also raised doubts about the role of event sponsor Anto Augustine, who had previously claimed ownership rights over the stadium, and alleged that illegal tree felling had occurred under the guise of renovation work.
“The same government that once claimed it would not associate with tainted individuals has now made the accused in the Muttil tree-felling case event sponsors,” Eden said. He demanded that the state disclose details of discussions and decisions related to Messi and the Argentina team’s planned visit.
Ernakulam District Congress Committee President Mohammed Shias accused the government of orchestrating a “calculated attempt to take control of the stadium” through the renovation project. He urged authorities to release the contract between the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) and the sponsor, calling the situation a “conspiracy” and demanding the GCDA chairman’s resignation.
The Kerala government has not yet responded to the allegations or provided details about the sponsorship arrangement.
With confirmation that Messi and the Argentina national team will not visit Kochi this year, questions have mounted over the motives behind the rushed renovation, including why parts of the stadium were demolished without completing procedural approvals and how the sponsor was selected.
What was once touted as a landmark sporting event for Kerala has now turned into a political controversy. Opposition leaders have accused the state of using the Messi brand to conceal financial misconduct tied to both the stadium project and other alleged scams.
BJP State President Rajeev Chandrasekhar joined the criticism on Monday, alleging that “a series of controversies” were being staged to divert attention from corruption linked to the proposed Messi visit and the ongoing Sabarimala gold scam. “Some criminals have entered the media field, and such forces will be dealt with sternly,” Chandrasekhar said. (Source: IANS)
