Argentina team visit row: Keralam govt. seeks Governor’s approval to file case against V. Abdurahiman

The Keralam government has sought the Governor’s permission to register a case against former Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman in connection with the allegations linked to the proposed visit of Lionel Messi and the Argentina national football team to the State.Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan handed over the file to the Lok Bhavan on Friday (October 16, 2026).The special investigation team (SIT) tasked with probing the allegations over the proposed visit had reportedly detected serious procedural violations and recommended action against Mr. Abdurahiman under the Prevention of Corruption Act.Findings in reportThe report also contained findings against members of the former Minister’s office and others involved in arranging the visit. The SIT had probed allegations that the tendering procedures were not adhered to in granting sponsorship rights to Reporter Broadcasting Company (RBC) for the Argentina team’s proposed visit.The SIT found that the former Minister and his staff allegedly intervened to secure undue financial advantage to the sponsor.The State government’s move has coincided with the Union government’s decision to replace Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar with Om Prakash Mathur as Governor of Keralam. Mr. Mathur is expected to take over on October 23, Lok Bhavan sources said. Mr. Arlekar, who has taken charge as the full-time Governor of Tamil Nadu on October 15, will be in Keralam till October 22. If he does not take a decision on the Keralam government’s request, it will be left to the new Governor to take a call on it. Published - October 17, 2026 05:35 pm IST