Kerala tourism minister confirms probe into "betrayal" of public in Messi row

Kerala Minister for Tourism and Culture P.C. Vishnunadh on Thursday said people were "betrayed and misled" with promises of bringing Lionel Messi and the Argentina team to the state, and that the matter is going to be investigated.

The minister said the inquiry will be based on a report given by the Sports Department. "There is a feeling that people of Kerala were betrayed. They misled people by claiming that Messi will come. So, there is going to be an investigation based on the report of the Sports Department. The investigation will be in accordance with law. There will be nothing unlawful about the probe," Vishnunadh told reporters.

State Sports Minister O.J. Janeesh had indicated on Wednesday, Aug 12 that there will be a probe into the matter. He had also rejected former minister V. Abdurahiman's claims regarding the issue and alleged that government machinery was misused to facilitate financial gains for a private individual.

Abdurahiman, however, has rejected the allegations and maintained that the LDF government had followed all prescribed procedures while attempting to bring the Argentina team to Kerala for a friendly match.