Kollam, Keralam Sports Minister O J Janeesh on Monday alleged that the previous LDF government and his predecessor V Abdurahiman facilitated the failed football event featuring the Lionel Messi-led Argentina team, and said the SIT investigation would also look into their role.
Government’s Role in Event Raises Accountability Questions
Janeesh, speaking to reporters about the police Special Investigation Team (SIT) looking into alleged irregularities surrounding a recent event, asserted that discussions were initiated by Abdurahiman based on unauthorized emails. He emphasized that it was the then sports minister who began these discussions, prompting intervention from Sports Department officials under government orders.
“Wasn’t it the then sports minister himself who initiated all these discussions based on unauthorised emails? Under instructions from the government, officials did intervene. That is why there was a stage where all government facilities were provided,” Janeesh stated.
He argued that the core issue extends beyond whether the government incurred direct financial losses. Instead, it centers on whether government resources were misused to lend credibility to the Reporter Broadcasting Company, the event’s sponsor now under investigation.
“When it is said that the government suffered no financial loss, where does the corruption actually lie? The corruption lies in giving a private sponsor the opportunity to misuse all government machinery,” he charged.
Janeesh noted that the government’s involvement—highlighted by claims of Messi’s attendance, meetings involving the Chief Secretary, and the engagement of district collectors and police—enhanced the event’s credibility and encouraged public investment.
Following the inquiry conducted by the Sports Department, which reviewed relevant files, the findings were forwarded to the Chief Minister. Subsequently, Chief Minister V D Satheesan instructed the Home Department to establish the SIT for further investigation.
