The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Saturday expressed serious concern over the disorder that broke out during the much-anticipated Lionel Messi event in Kolkata, which was marred by poor crowd management and glaring security lapses, leaving thousands of fans frustrated and angry.
Around 50,000 spectators, many of whom had paid between Rs 4,000 and Rs 12,000 for tickets — with some reportedly shelling out up to Rs 20,000 in the black market — were left disappointed as they barely caught a glimpse of the Argentine football legend at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium).
Within minutes of Messi’s arrival at the venue, he was surrounded by a swarm of politicians, VVIPs, police officials, security personnel and their aides, many of whom appeared more interested in clicking selfies than ensuring crowd control. This human cordon effectively blocked the view of the paying public, triggering anger among spectators.
In a statement, the AIFF said it was deeply concerned by the developments at the stadium, where fans had gathered to watch global football stars Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul.
“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,” the federation said.
AIFF Distances Itself From Event Organisation
The apex football body categorically distanced itself from the event, clarifying that it had no role in its organisation or execution.
“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,” the statement said.
The federation added that no details of the event were communicated to it, nor was any formal clearance sought.
“Furthermore, the details of the event were neither communicated to the AIFF, nor was any clearance sought from the federation,” it said.
The AIFF also appealed for calm, urging cooperation with authorities and stressing that safety and security must remain the top priority.
Stadium Vandalised as Chaos Erupts
As tempers flared, angry fans began hurling bottles — items that are banned inside sporting venues — raising serious questions about security checks. Food packets were also reportedly allowed inside.
The situation escalated quickly as chairs were ripped out and thrown, with fibreglass seats smashed across the pitch and the synthetic track. Two canopies erected for Messi and the chief minister’s enclosure were torn apart, and there were even attempts to set parts of them on fire before police intervened.
Several stadium gates were battered, the players’ tunnel roof was damaged, and posters were ripped down amid the chaos.
The incident has sparked widespread criticism over event management, crowd safety and accountability, especially given the massive turnout and high ticket prices paid by fans.