AIFF issues a strong statement after chaos erupts during Lionel Messi’s Kolkata visit. The federation clarifies it had no role in organizing the GOAT Tour event, as crowd mismanagement sparks safety concerns and a judicial probe by the West Bengal government.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Saturday issued a strong statement expressing deep concern over the chaotic scenes that unfolded at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, popularly known as Salt Lake Stadium, in Kolkata. The incident occurred during the highly anticipated visit of global football icon Lionel Messi, who arrived in the city as part of his much-publicized GOAT Tour alongside fellow Argentina stars Luis Suárez and Rodrigo de Paul.
What was meant to be a celebratory football spectacle quickly descended into disorder as thousands of enthusiastic fans gathered at the stadium, only to face confusion, restricted access, and alleged mismanagement. Reports of vandalism, overcrowding, and unrest surfaced soon after, raising serious questions about crowd control, public safety, and event planning standards for high-profile international appearances in India.
In its official statement released across social media platforms, the AIFF categorically clarified that it had no involvement whatsoever in the planning, organization, or execution of the event. The national football governing body emphasized that the programme was conducted by a private public relations agency and that no prior communication or approval was sought from the federation.
“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 statement read.
The federation further stressed that it was neither informed about the event’s schedule nor consulted regarding security arrangements, ticketing protocols, or crowd management strategies. According to AIFF officials, the absence of coordination with relevant football authorities significantly contributed to the confusion and safety risks witnessed at the venue.
“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,” the statement added.
The AIFF also appealed to fans and attendees to cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies and local authorities, reiterating that public safety must remain the highest priority during events involving international sports personalities. The federation underscored that while fan enthusiasm is vital for football’s growth in India, it must be matched with responsible organisation and adherence to safety norms.
The controversy surrounding the Messi visit intensified following reports of chaos triggered by limited access and high ticket prices, which left many fans disappointed and frustrated. Several eyewitnesses claimed that inadequate entry management and lack of clear communication escalated tensions, eventually leading to damage to property within and around the stadium premises.
The incident prompted swift political and administrative responses. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced the formation of a judicial committee to investigate the mismanagement that led to the unrest. The committee will be headed by a retired judge of the Calcutta High Court and tasked with examining lapses in planning, ticketing, security deployment, and overall crowd control mechanisms.
In a statement issued after reviewing the developments, the Chief Minister expressed concern over the safety of citizens and the reputation of the state in hosting international events. She assured that accountability would be fixed and corrective measures implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Messi event was expected to mark a historic moment for Indian football fans, many of whom had waited years to see the Argentine legend in person. Instead, the episode has ignited a broader debate on the commercialization of sports events, the role of private organizers, and the necessity of involving official sports bodies in planning large-scale public gatherings.
Sports analysts and former football administrators have echoed AIFF’s concerns, arguing that bypassing the national federation undermines established protocols designed to ensure safety and transparency. They contend that global football stars attract massive crowds, making professional crowd management and inter-agency coordination non-negotiable.
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As investigations begin, the AIFF’s statement serves as a clear attempt to distance itself from the controversy while reaffirming its commitment to the orderly development of football in the country. The outcome of the judicial probe is expected to shape future guidelines for hosting international sports icons in India, ensuring that fan excitement is celebrated without compromising safety and public order.
