AIFF on Lionel Messi’s event in Kolkata: ‘AIFF was not involved, was private event organised by PR agency’
As anger continues to simmer in Kolkata after Messi's brief appearance at Salt Lake Stadium, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) issued a statement clarifying that it had nothing to do with the event.
Angry fans in Kolkata invade the pitch at Salt Lake Stadium after Lionel Messi left after a brief appearance during the GOAT Tour. (File Photo)
Lionel Messi’s short trip to Kolkata ended with angry fans invading the pitch and throwing projectiles like chairs and bottles onto the pitch at Salt Lake Stadium after the Argentine superstar made a short 20-minute appearance on the pitch while being flanked by over a hundred people, including security forces and VIPs.
Ugly scenes from the venue showed fans vandalising sofas at the venue for VIPs and even trying to light a fire in the stadium. In the aftermath, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee apologised to Messi via X and ordered an enquiry commission. The chief organiser of the event Satadru Dutta was also arrested from the airport by the Kolkata police.
Fans pose amidst the ruins of banners and chairs during the Kolkata leg of Lionel Messi’s GOAT Tour inside the Salt Lake Stadium. (Express Photo by Partha Paul)
As anger continues to simmer in Kolkata, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) issued a statement clarifying that it had nothing to do with the event.
“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 Suarez, and Rodrigo de Paul. This was a private event organised by a PR agency.
“The AIFF was not involved in the organisation, planning, or execution of this 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 with the relevant authorities and to maintain order. The safety and security of all individuals involved must remain the paramount priority,” AIFF said on X.
Angry fans in Kolkata invade the pitch at Salt Lake Stadium after Lionel Messi left after a brief appearance during the GOAT Tour. (File Photo) 
Fans pose amidst the ruins of banners and chairs during the Kolkata leg of Lionel Messi’s GOAT Tour inside the Salt Lake Stadium. (Express Photo by Partha Paul)
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