Thiruvananthapuram: The state govt is likely to order a special investigation team (SIT) probe into the controversial bid to bring Lionel Messi and the Argentina football team to Kerala, with the matter involving multiple administrative, financial and regulatory aspects. It is reliably learnt that chief minister V D Satheesan has agreed to an SIT probe and a formal announcement is expected soon.The SIT is expected to examine the administrative and procedural decisions surrounding the proposed event, while matters requiring examination by central agencies will be handed over to the respective agencies.The move follows the sports department’s inquiry report, which was submitted to the CM after sports minister O J Janeesh received it from department secretary N Prasanth. The report flags issues relating to the communication from Argentine Football Association relied upon by the previous LDF govt, selection of the sponsor, govt approvals, financial arrangements, foreign remittance, use of a public stadium and the role of senior officials.The SIT is expected to examine the decision-making and procedural trail, including why mandatory requirements such as the Union govt’s NOC, a detailed project report, finance department concurrence, law department scrutiny and cabinet approval were not obtained despite being recognised as necessary in the file.The selection of the sponsor, Reporter Broadcasting Company (RBC), is another likely line of inquiry. The report says there was no open process for selecting the private operator, valuation of commercial rights, verification of the company’s financial capacity or source of funds, or provision guaranteeing public revenue from gate receipts, sponsorship, broadcasting and merchandising. It describes this as a violation of public procurement principles and the stores purchase manual.The proposed use of Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi is also likely to come under scrutiny. The report says the stadium was made available to the private sponsor for construction works without final confirmation of the match, official FIFA or AIFF registration, prior approval from the law and finance departments, insurance or bank guarantees. It describes this as an “extremely serious failure” to protect a public asset.The report has also flagged a $15 million foreign remittance through TourProdEnter LLC and recommended an examination of the transaction, including the source and trail of the money, the intermediary involved, its ownership and compliance with foreign-exchange requirements. These aspects are likely to be referred to Enforcement Directorate or other competent central agencies.The report has further recommended that the corporate and financial relationships of the entities involved be examined by the appropriate authorities. It has suggested that these aspects be examined by Registrar of Companies, Ministry of Corporate Affairs and, if necessary, Serious Fraud Investigation Office.The role of senior officials and the use of govt machinery are also likely to come under the SIT’s scrutiny.
