Archive · 5 Oct 2026
Kerala Police Seek Sanction for Probe Into Messi Visit Fraud
Kerala police are investigating a planned football event that did not happen.
They suspect that some officials may have helped private sponsors in improper ways.
The police chief has asked the government for permission to investigate public servants under an anti-corruption law.
The investigation says the sponsors may have received special financial treatment.
One sponsor claimed to have sent Rs.
126 crore to Argentina’s football association, but investigators say they have not found verified bank records for that payment.
The allegations have not been established as facts.
A national financial investigation agency is also expected to examine the money involved.
The police case started on September 15.
Kerala’s State Police Chief has asked the government for prior approval to investigate alleged corruption involving a planned Argentina football squad visit.
The request follows interim findings by a Special Investigation Team led by Additional Director General of Police P. Vijayan.
Investigators allege that former Sports Minister V. Abdurahman and department officials helped private sponsors bypass open tendering and obtain financial concessions.
The allegations include an exemption from a Rs. 5-crore security deposit for Kaloor International Stadium and a claimed Rs. 126-crore payment to the Argentina Football Association that investigators say lacks verified banking records.
The Enforcement Directorate is expected to open a parallel money-laundering probe; the police case began on September 15.
- Who
- Kerala Police, including a Special Investigation Team, are investigating allegations involving former Sports Minister V. Abdurahman, department officials and Reporter Broadcasting Company.
- What
- The State Police Chief has sought prior government sanction to pursue an anti-corruption investigation related to the aborted football event.
- When
- The police case was initiated on September 15; the article does not specify when the State Police Chief submitted the sanction request.
- Where
- Kerala, India; the event was planned for Kaloor International Stadium.
- Why
- Investigators allege that public officials helped private sponsors bypass tendering and receive financial concessions, and are examining claims about a large payment to the Argentina Football Association.
- Legal approval sought
- Prior government sanction under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act
- SIT lead
- Additional Director General of Police P. Vijayan
- Former minister named
- V. Abdurahman, former Sports Minister
- Security deposit at issue
- Rs. 5 crore for Kaloor International Stadium
- Sponsor's claimed payment
- Rs. 126 crore to the Argentina Football Association; investigators reportedly found no verified banking records
- Police case date
- September 15
- Expected parallel investigation
- The Enforcement Directorate is expected to register an ECIR under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act