The All-India Football Federation (AIFF) on Saturday expressed serious concern over the chaos that unfolded at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata during Argentine superstar Lionel Messi’s high-profile visit to the city.
Thousands of fans had gathered at the stadium to catch a glimpse of the football icon, who was in Kolkata as part of his GOAT Tour, along with Luis Suárez and Rodrigo de Paul. However, what was intended to be a celebratory occasion quickly turned into frustration and disorder due to alleged mismanagement at the venue.
In a statement issued on social media, the AIFF distanced itself from the incident, clarifying that it had no role whatsoever in organizing the event. The federation stressed that the programme was conducted by a private public relations agency without its involvement or approval.
“The All-India Football Federation is deeply concerned by the events that transpired at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, where thousands of fans gathered to witness world football stars Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez and Rodrigo de Paul,” the AIFF said in its statement.
“This was a private event organised by a PR agency. The AIFF was not involved in the organisation, planning or execution of the event in any capacity. Furthermore, the details of the event were neither communicated to the AIFF nor was any clearance sought from the Federation. We urge all attendees to extend their full cooperation to the relevant authorities and maintain order. The safety and security of all individuals involved must remain the paramount priority,” the statement added.
The federation’s clarification came amid mounting concerns over crowd management and spectator safety following the appearance of the international football stars, which had generated massive public interest.
Meanwhile, amid reports of chaos and vandalism at Salt Lake Stadium on the northern outskirts of Kolkata, reportedly triggered by high ticket prices and limited access to Messi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced the formation of a judicial committee to investigate the lapses that led to the incident.
After being briefed on the developments, the Chief Minister issued a statement confirming that the probe panel would be headed by a retired judge of the Calcutta High Court and would examine the mismanagement that triggered the unrest.