West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced that the state government will refund the ticket money to approximately 33,000 football fans who attended a mismanaged Lionel Messi event in Kolkata last year. The reimbursement, totaling several crores of rupees, will be drawn from the state's sports budget.
Speaking at a National Sports Day program on Saturday, Adhikari confirmed that the process has already begun to compensate fans who purchased tickets priced at ₹4,000 and ₹6,000 for the event held on December 13, 2025, at the Yuva Bharati Stadium. He expressed his commitment to ensuring these sports enthusiasts receive their money back following significant disorder.
Mismanagement Blamed for Chaotic Event
The Messi event was widely criticized for large-scale mismanagement and chaos. Thousands of spectators had demanded refunds immediately after the incident, but the issue remained unresolved until the current administration's announcement.
Chief Minister Adhikari attributed much of the disorder to the excessive involvement of the then-Sports Minister, Aroop Biswas, from the previous Trinamool Congress government. The event's poor organization led to widespread disappointment among fans eager to see the football star.
Future of Sports in Bengal
During his address, Adhikari also took the opportunity to criticize the previous government's handling of the sports sector, citing neglect and a decline in West Bengal's representation in major national and international competitions like the Olympics and Asian Games. He noted that paperwork for many athletes' appointment letters had been stalled for years.
The Chief Minister outlined his government's roadmap for improving sports infrastructure and promoting talent. He announced an allocation of ₹400 crore for the sports sector for an eight-month period and detailed plans to build 100 mini indoor stadiums this year, out of a target of 294 across all assembly constituencies. These new facilities are expected to feature tennis courts, badminton courts, and gymnasiums, aiming to provide better opportunities for athletes and sports enthusiasts across the state.