What authority did Anto have at Reporter Broadcasting Company? SIT intensifies probe into AFA agreement

Thiruvananthapuram: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has intensified probe into the alleged sponsorship fraud involving a promise to bring football star Lionel Messi to Kerala. The investigation comes amid continuing questions over the agreements between Reporter Broadcasting Company and the Argentine Football Association (AFA). During raids at the offices of Reporter Broadcasting Company and the residences of those connected with the case, the investigation team seized key documents related to the agreement that had not previously been in the government’s possession.

The SIT is primarily investigating whether Anto Augustine had any authority to sign the agreement with the AFA in connection with bringing Messi to Kerala. So far, investigators have not found documents establishing that Anto Augustine was the chairman or managing director of Reporter Broadcasting Company, or an authorisation letter from the company’s board of directors empowering him to sign the agreement.

According to documents submitted to the Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Anto had no connection with the channel and a person named Jose was its managing director. This was also stated in a complaint filed by BJP leader Shone George. Based on its preliminary investigation, the SIT has concluded that Anto Augustine did not have any authority to sign the agreement. It is against this backdrop that the FIR includes charges related to the inclusion of false information.

The fact that an unauthorised individual signed an international agreement on behalf of the government has put the then government and the Sports Department in a difficult position. Information has also emerged that the office of the then Sports Minister proceeded with the arrangements in coordination with the sponsor while keeping department secretaries in the dark. Although the matches did not take place, it is learnt that money had been transferred abroad.

If Anto Augustine is unable to produce an official authorisation empowering him to sign the agreement, those who selected the sponsor along with him, including the then Sports Minister, could face serious legal complications.