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AIFF distances itselffrom Messi event chaos

The Statesman Kolkata

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December 14, 2025

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.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

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 meant 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, clarifying that it had no role whatsoever in the organisation of the event, stressing that the programme was conducted by a private public relations agency without the federation’s involvement or approval.

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