'No Clearance Sought': AIFF Responds To Disorder During Messi’s Kolkata Visit

The All India Football Federation has said that it is concerned by the events that transpired at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Saturday, December 13, around Lionel Messi’s India tour, adding that the details of the event were not communicated to the federation, nor was any clearance sought.

A huge number of people thronged the Salt Lake Stadium in the morning to catch a glimpse of Messi, but only a few could, with the view blocked by numerous politicians hovering around the footballer.

Around 50,000 spectators, many paying between Rs 4,000 and Rs 12,000 and some up to Rs 20,000 on the black market, watched as Messi was surrounded by politicians, VVIPs, security personnel and selfie-obsessed hangers-on, leaving fans at Salt Lake Stadium frustrated

and angry.

“The All India Football Federation is deeply concerned by the events that transpired at the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan, where thousands of fans gathered to witness world football stars Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul,” the AIFF said in its statement.

Safety and security remain our top priority for all.#IndianFootball ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/pOUPJ7IXCs

— Indian Football (@IndianFootball) December 13, 2025

“This was a private event organised by a PR agency. The AIFF wasn’t involved in the organisation, planning, or execution of this event in any capacity. The details of the event were neither communicated to the AIFF, nor was any clearance sought from the federation,” the statement said.

Within minutes of arriving, Messi was encircled by a swarm of politicians, police officers, VIPs and their aides, creating a human blockade that kept paying fans from seeing anything but the crowd around him.

“We urge all attendees to extend their full cooperation with the relevant authorities and to maintain order. The safety and security of all individuals involved must remain the paramount priority,” the statement said.

Frustrated fans sparked chaos by throwing bottles and other prohibited items into the otherwise sporting venue. It was baffling how such objects, including food packets, were permitted inside.