Archive · 28 Aug 2026
FEMA Case Opens Over Funds for Planned Messi Kerala Visit
A company helped promote a plan to bring Lionel Messi and the Argentina team to Kerala.
The event did not happen.
Officials say about Rs.126 crore connected to the plan was sent to companies outside India.
The Enforcement Directorate is checking whether this broke foreign-exchange rules.
It is also examining where the money came from and who received it.
The tax department is separately seeking about Rs.22 crore from the company.
Kerala Vigilance is expected to examine the project as well.
Claims of money laundering or other wrongdoing have not yet been proven.
The Enforcement Directorate registered a preliminary FEMA case over an alleged Rs.126 crore transfer abroad linked to the proposed Messi and Argentina team visit to Kerala.
Reporter Broadcasting Company, the project’s sponsor and promoter, is at the centre of the investigation into overseas payments and agreements.
The ED is examining whether the remittances complied with Reserve Bank of India rules and whether they had legitimate commercial justification.
The Kerala GST Department is investigating the transfer and has sought around Rs.22 crore in service tax from RBC.
The proposed event never took place, while Kerala Vigilance and the ED are examining possible financial irregularities; allegations of hawala, money laundering and shell companies remain unproven.
- Who
- The Enforcement Directorate is investigating Reporter Broadcasting Company and other entities linked to the proposed event.
- What
- A FEMA case was registered over an alleged Rs.126 crore overseas transfer connected to the planned visit of Lionel Messi and the Argentina national football team.
- When
- The investigation is at a preliminary stage; the articles do not specify when the case was registered.
- Where
- The proposed event was in Kerala, while the alleged transfers went to overseas entities.
- Why
- The agencies are examining whether foreign-exchange and Reserve Bank of India rules were violated, and whether the transactions involved financial irregularities.
Investigators’ Concerns
Project-Linked Explanation
Legality of overseas payments
Investigators’ Concerns
The ED is examining allegations that funds were sent abroad without required clearances, in violation of FEMA or Reserve Bank of India regulations.
Project-Linked Explanation
The articles say the payments were reportedly connected to contracts, sports-management arrangements and logistical preparations for the proposed event; no final finding of wrongdoing has been made.
Destination and purpose of funds
Investigators’ Concerns
Authorities are examining the source of the Rs.126 crore, the overseas recipients and allegations involving intermediaries, hawala transactions or shell companies.
Project-Linked Explanation
The available reports do not establish that the funds were used for illegal purposes; these remain preliminary allegations under investigation.
Tax liability
Investigators’ Concerns
The Kerala GST Department suspects RBC may have acted as an intermediary and has demanded around Rs.22 crore in service tax.
Project-Linked Explanation
The reports describe the tax demand and investigation but provide no response from RBC or a final ruling on its liability.
- Alleged transfer
- Approximately Rs.126 crore was reportedly transferred to overseas entities.
- Investigating agency
- The Enforcement Directorate registered a case under the Foreign Exchange Management Act.
- Company involved
- Reporter Broadcasting Company promoted and sponsored the proposed Kerala event.
- Event status
- The planned appearance by Lionel Messi and the Argentina team never materialised.
- Tax demand
- The Kerala GST Department sought around Rs.22 crore in service tax from RBC.
- Additional scrutiny
- The Kerala Vigilance department is set to examine the transactions and the roles of those involved.
- Possible escalation
- The matter could lead to a Prevention of Money Laundering Act investigation if a related case is registered by another investigative agency.
