Former India cricket team captain Sourav Ganguly has filed a defamation suit seeking Rs 50 crore in damages against Uttam Saha, president of the Argentina Fan Club of Kolkata, following controversial claims linked to Lionel Messi’s recent appearance in the city.
The legal action comes in the aftermath of the chaotic event held at Yuva Bharati Stadium on December 13, during Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated visit to Kolkata. Ganguly has alleged that false and damaging statements were made publicly, attempting to link him to the mismanagement of the event.
Defamation Case Filed at Lalbazar
According to sources, Ganguly filed the complaint at Lalbazar, stating that the allegations made by Uttam Saha were “false, malicious, offensive, and defamatory.” The former Indian captain asserted that the remarks were made without any factual basis and were intended to harm his reputation.
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Ganguly, who currently serves as the president of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), clarified in his complaint that he attended the Messi event strictly as a guest. He denied having any official role, organisational responsibility, or involvement in the planning or execution of the programme.
“Serious allegations are being made publicly without any factual basis,” Ganguly reportedly stated in his complaint, emphasising the reputational damage caused by the claims.
Allegations Over ‘Middleman’ Role
The dispute centres on claims made by Uttam Saha that Sourav Ganguly acted as a middleman in the management of the Messi event, allegedly linking him to the main organiser, Satadru Dutta.
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Ganguly has categorically denied these accusations. His legal team has issued a formal notice to Saha, demanding an immediate retraction of the statements along with compensation for damages amounting to Rs 50 crore.
The notice reiterates that Ganguly had no role in event coordination, ticketing, crowd management, or decision-making related to Messi’s appearance.
Chaos at Yuva Bharati Stadium
The Lionel Messi event, which was expected to be a landmark moment for football fans in Kolkata, descended into chaos due to poor organisation and crowd control. Thousands of fans, many of whom had paid significant sums for tickets, were left disappointed.
Reports and videos from the venue showed overcrowding, confusion, and a lack of adequate security arrangements. Messi’s interaction with fans remained limited, further adding to public frustration.
Following the disorder, event organiser Satadru Dutta was detained for questioning by the authorities as part of the investigation into the mismanagement.
Political and Public Reactions
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee issued a public apology on social media, expressing regret over the incident. She apologised to Lionel Messi as well as to football fans in Kolkata who were unable to witness the event as planned.
The controversy quickly gained national and international attention, raising concerns over crowd management, VIP access, and event planning standards at major sporting events in India.
Ganguly’s Presence at the Event
Sourav Ganguly was present at Yuva Bharati Stadium during the Messi event but remained in a separate section designated for invited guests. As chaos unfolded in the stands, visuals showed Ganguly leaving the venue, visibly disappointed by the situation.
Sources close to Ganguly maintain that his presence was purely ceremonial and that he neither influenced nor participated in any aspect of event organisation.
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Broader Debate on VIP Culture
The incident has also reignited debate around VIP culture at high-profile sporting events in India. Many fans expressed anger over limited public access while officials and special invitees occupied large portions of the pitch and seating areas.
Critics argue that such practices undermine fan experience and highlight systemic issues in the management of large-scale international events.
What Happens Next
The Rs 50 crore defamation suit marks a significant legal escalation in the fallout from Messi’s Kolkata visit. Legal experts suggest that the case could hinge on whether the allegations can be substantiated or are proven to be baseless and damaging.
As investigations into the event continue, the case is expected to draw close public scrutiny, given Ganguly’s stature in Indian sport and the global attention surrounding Lionel Messi’s visit.
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By The News Update— Updated December 18, 2025
