AIFF expresses concern, denies any involvement after Lionel Messi event gets marred by chaos
AIFF on Saturday expressed concerns after the Lionel Messi event in Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium was spoiled by chaos.
New Delhi: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Saturday expressed concerns after the Lionel Messi event in Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium was spoiled by chaos due to poor crowd management and security lapses.
As many as 50000 spectators, many of whom had paid Rs 4000 to Rs 12000 and also Rs 20000 in case of black tickets watched the star footballer being surrounded by a swarm of politicians, VVIPS, security personnel that were busy in clicking selfies which did not give any chance to the normal fans for any sort of interaction or gaze.
The AIFF issued a statement on Saturday after Lionel Messi's event in Kolkata was spoiled by chaos saying that it is deeply concerned about what transpired at the venues where thousands of people had gathered.
'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.'
AIFF denies involvement
The India football body, apart from expressing concern, also clarified that they were not involved with the event in any capacity. In the statement, the AIFF said that the event was organised by a private PR agency and they are not associated with it.
Within minutes of his arrival at the venue, Messi was surrounded by scores of politicians, police officers, VIPs and their aides, forming a human blockade that ensured the paying public saw everything except Messi. The AIFF said it was not involved in the organisation, planning, or execution of the event in any capacity.
The AIFF further said that the details of the event were not provided to the body and any clearance was also not sought from the federation. '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 apex body said in the statement.