Kerala govt gets 'highly confidential' reply on why Messi skipped visit

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Sports Department has finally communicated to the state government why football icon Lionel Messi did not visit the state, but the details are wrapped in a 'highly confidential' cover. The move comes amid growing political heat over the failed attempt to bring Messi to Kerala for a friendly match.

The response, submitted to the government, is unlikely to be made public anytime soon, given its classified tag. This has only deepened suspicions among opposition leaders and Muslim Youth League members, who have been demanding a thorough investigation into what they call the 'Messi affair'.

Scam Allegations and the VACB Demand

Muslim Youth League leader P.K. Firoz has formally sought a Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) enquiry into the episode. Firoz's demand comes on the back of an official inquiry report that reportedly described the Kerala Messi match plan as a massive scam.

The report, prepared by the Sports Department, has flagged critical lapses in the previous government's proceedings. It is believed to have pointed out procedural violations and questionable decisions that ultimately led to the collapse of the ambitious project.

What Went Wrong?

According to sources, the department's findings highlight a series of missteps in the handling of the Messi visit proposal. The plan, which was touted as a major sporting coup for Kerala, fell through under circumstances that have since raised eyebrows.

The confidential nature of the latest submission suggests that the department may have uncovered details that are politically sensitive. The reference to former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in media reports has added another layer of complexity to the controversy.

Political Fallout

The issue has quickly turned into a political battleground. Questions are being raised over whether the previous administration bent rules to lure Messi to the state. Some have even asked if the former CM 'red carded' the country's laws in the pursuit of the Argentine superstar.

Opposition leaders are now demanding that the government release the full report, arguing that public interest outweighs the need for secrecy. The government, however, appears to be treading cautiously, wary of the potential embarrassment the report could cause.

What Next?

The VACB enquiry demand is now pending with the government, which must decide whether to order a probe or dismiss the allegations. Meanwhile, the 'highly confidential' reply is expected to remain under wraps unless a court or the assembly forces its disclosure.

For now, the people of Kerala are left with more questions than answers. The coming weeks will show whether the government chooses transparency or continues to keep the Messi affair under lock and key.