Keralam Minister confirms detailed probe into Argentina match 'irregularities' to be conducted

Keralam Sports Minister O J Janeesh on Thursday said a comprehensive probe will be conducted into alleged irregularities in the previous government's move to host a football match featuring Argentina team and star player Lionel Messi in the state.

Janeesh was speaking to reporters after former Sports Minister V Abdurahiman recently criticised the present government and the Sports Minister over the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged irregularities.

It was under the previous government that moves were made to host the Argentina national team’s match featuring Lionel Messi in Kochi.

"However, the government failed in its attempt as the Argentina team played friendly matches in other countries."

According to Janeesh, the SIT began its probe based on a report submitted by the Sports Department.

"Let the facts come out, and more light be shed through the SIT probe. The government has taken a decision based on facts that we were convinced of. It is very evident that there were significant procedural lapses involved," Janeesh said.

He alleged that large-scale financial irregularities were involved in the move to host the match.

"Large-scale financial irregularities are part of this. Was permission granted to conduct an event abroad, or was it for an event in Keralam? If it was conducted in Keralam, was specific permission obtained for that? Several such aspects need to be examined," he said.

Janeesh also souhgt to know whether the financial stability of the sponsor was verified before approvals were granted.

"How can an entity with a paid-up capital of just Rs 10 lakh become the organisers of an event that they claim costs Rs 200 crore? So, before granting approval, how was this sponsor selected? Did they inquire about this at any stage? These lapses are clearly visible," he said.

Janeesh said he wanted the truth to emerge through the detailed investigation irrespective of the allegations levelled against him.

Meanwhile, reports said the SIT had registered a case as part of its preliminary investigation at Kalamassery police station here.

However, when contacted, the station house officer said no case had been registered so far.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Bridge Desk. It is published from a syndicated feed.)