Calcutta referees

The Indian Football Association: Four referees who officiated a football match at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on December 13, ahead of Argentine football icon Lionel Messi’s appearance, have come under scrutiny for allegedly doing so without prior approval from the competent authorities.

The Indian Football Association (IFA), the governing body for football in West Bengal, has summoned the four referees to appear before its internal disciplinary committee, seeking explanations for their participation in the match without obtaining mandatory permission from either the IFA or the Calcutta Referees’ Association (CRA). Sources indicated that disciplinary action may be initiated against them.

On December 13 last year, the Salt Lake Stadium -- also known as Yuva Bharati Krirangan -- was packed well before the scheduled Messi event, with spectators eagerly awaiting a glimpse of the global football star. However, scenes of chaos unfolded soon after Messi arrived, as crowds surged forward to take photographs, overwhelming security arrangements. Spectators later complained that they were unable to see Messi clearly, who left the field within just 22 minutes.