Thiruvananthapuram: The state govt has received the sports department’s report into the controversy surrounding the proposed Lionel Messi event in Kerala and will take further action after examining what it described as serious allegations, chief minister V D Satheesan said on Thursday.Speaking at a post-cabinet news conference, Satheesan said the report raised questions over the manner in which a private company was permitted to enter into an agreement with the Argentine Football Association (AFA). “How was the procedure for giving permission to a private institution to enter into an agreement with the Argentine Football Association carried out? Was an expression of interest invited?” Satheesan asked.He said the preliminary findings indicated that several basic financial and procedural aspects had not been examined, including the company’s market valuation, financial capacity and source of funds. The state govt, he said, was aware of several aspects of the arrangement.Satheesan said the UDF govt was only examining the report and had not taken any decision against any institution. He said the preliminary examination had also revealed serious irregularities relating to GST, including alleged tax evasion. The GST evasion was reportedly detected and a notice issued during the previous govt’s tenure, but the subsequent investigation remained stalled for around seven months, he said.Govt would examine the lapses and initiate steps to recover any amount due to the state. The finance department would also inquire into the alleged negligence in the initial stage of the proceedings, he said.Govt would assess the extent of the alleged fraud and, if it was found serious enough to warrant a probe by central agencies, take appropriate steps, he said. The possibility of violations of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) would also be examined.Govt to oppose mining law amendmentThe state govt will strongly oppose the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, passed by the Lok Sabha, alleging that the proposed changes would encroach upon the powers of states over land, including those bearing minerals.Satheesan said the amendment amounted to an attempt to bring matters relating to land, which falls under the State List, within Centre’s jurisdiction. He said states currently had powers relating to mining leases and fixing royalties and other fees.He alleged that the proposed definition of “mineral-bearing land” could enable Centre to extend its jurisdiction even to coastal and forest areas. Govt would convey Kerala’s strong protest against the amendment to Centre, he said.New SOP for rescuing people missing in seaGovt has directed the fisheries department to prepare a new standard operating procedure to rescue people who go missing in sea, saying the existing mechanism was inadequate.The new SOP would be prepared quickly, taking into account present-day circumstances and in consultation with experts, Satheesan said.
