AIFF urged all attendees to extend their full cooperation with the relevant authorities and to maintain order.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF), on Saturday, following the chaos that erupted after football icon Lionel Messi’s visit, issued a statement expressing concern and clarifying that it was a private event organised by a PR agency.
The AIFF said that it is “deeply concerned” by the events that unfolded at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, where thousands of fans gathered to witness world football stars Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Rodrigo de Paul.
“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. Furthermore, the details of the event were neither communicated to the AIFF, nor was any clearance sought from the Federation,” the body added.
AIFF urged 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,” it added.
Massive chaos erupted following the star footballer’s visit to the stadium, which, according to fans, lasted for over 10 minutes, leaving many disappointed as they could not get a glimpse of their superstar.
Fans who attended the event demanded a refund for the tickets, citing poor management and calling the event a “scam”.
Fans said that they were also waiting for Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who was present with Messi when the latter virtually inaugurated a 70-foot-tall statue of him in West Bengal, ahead of the stadium appearance.
Meanwhile, both state Congress and the BJP have launched a scathing attack against the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government of West Bengal, holding it responsible for the chaos and demanding accountability for "tarnishing" the state's image.
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