Messi India tour payment claims surface during police probe
Football icon Lionel Messi was paid Rs 89 crore for his recent India tour, according to the event organiser. Of this amount, Rs 11 crore was remitted as tax to the government. The claims were made by Satadru Dutta during questioning by Kolkata Police investigators.
Dutta is the prime accused in the Salt Lake Stadium chaos case. He shared the details with a special investigation team, or SIT, probing the high-profile event.
The probe focuses on alleged financial irregularities and crowd mismanagement during the event on December 13. Authorities said the investigation remains active and wide-ranging.
Pressure to expand access cards allegedly caused chaos
During questioning, Dutta alleged pressure from “influential people” linked to the event. He claimed they forced him to triple the number of access cards issued. According to him, this decision directly caused overcrowding at Salt Lake Stadium.
The unchecked access reportedly led to unauthorised individuals entering restricted areas. Dutta told investigators that Messi felt uncomfortable during the event. He claimed the footballer disliked being touched or hugged by unknown people.
Police officials confirmed that crowd control failed at multiple points. They added that Messi’s discomfort became one major consequence of the mismanagement.
Authorities arrested Dutta within hours of the incident. Bengal Police have registered two cases related to the episode. They have also added several non-bailable charges against him.
Police scrutinise funding claims and seized money
Dutta also claimed the total cost of Messi’s India tour reached nearly Rs 100 crore. He told investigators the money came from sponsors and ticket sales. However, police officials remain unconvinced by this explanation.
Investigators said declared revenue sources explain only 60 to 70 percent of the expenses. This gap raised concerns about undisclosed funding. As a result, police intensified financial scrutiny.
The SIT seized Rs 22 crore from Dutta’s bank accounts and froze them. Officers also conducted a raid at his residence in Rishra. They suspect possible use of black money in the event.
Police officials said it remains unclear if the seized amount includes ticket revenue or sponsorship funds. They also noted that Dutta has not made specific admissions about financial wrongdoing.
Investigation continues amid conflicting claims
During interrogation, Dutta reportedly blamed multiple parties. He accused members of Messi’s entourage and event partners of contributing to the disorder. Police said such claims are being verified independently.
Officials stressed that no conclusions have been reached yet. They said the investigation will rely on documents, bank trails, and witness statements. The SIT continues to examine contracts and payment records.
The case has drawn national attention due to Messi’s global stature. It has also raised questions about event safety and financial transparency. Experts say large sporting events require stricter access control.
Authorities added that accountability will follow if violations are proven. They said crowd safety remains a top priority for future events.
Why the Messi event controversy matters
The Salt Lake Stadium incident highlights risks linked to celebrity events. High demand and limited access can create dangerous situations. Therefore, officials stress proper planning and enforcement.
The case also underscores the importance of transparent finances. Large payments and tax compliance remain under scrutiny. Investigators aim to confirm whether taxes were paid correctly.
Meanwhile, police urged the public to avoid speculation. They said updates will follow after forensic audits conclude. The SIT expects the probe to take time.
As the investigation continues, authorities will decide further legal steps. Any charges will depend on evidence gathered. For now, the Messi India tour payment claims remain under examination.