In a letter to Mamata Banerjee, Sports minister Arup Biswas said he resigned to ensure a free and fair probe into the Salt Lake Stadium incident. The event descended into disorder after Messi left the venue within 20 minutes, angering spectators who had paid up to ₹15,000 for tickets.
BY PC Bureau
December 16, 2025 — West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas resigned from his post on Tuesday after the state government ordered an official investigation into the chaotic scenes that marred football icon Lionel Messi’s “GOAT Tour” event at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium.
In a handwritten resignation letter addressed to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Biswas said he was stepping down to ensure a “free, fair, and transparent” inquiry into the incident. The minister has been facing mounting criticism from opposition parties and sections of the public, who blamed poor planning and alleged preferential access for the disruption at the high-profile event.
The state government had earlier announced a probe into the incident following widespread outrage over crowd mismanagement and allegations of denial of access to ticket-holding spectators.
Chaos at Messi Event
Messi’s much-anticipated India visit began on a turbulent note on Saturday when the event at Salt Lake Stadium descended into disorder shortly after it began. The Argentine football superstar reportedly left the venue within 20 minutes of his arrival, triggering anger among fans who had paid as much as ₹15,000 for tickets.
Irate spectators allegedly vandalised parts of the stadium and clashed with security personnel, accusing organisers of gross mismanagement. Several fans claimed they were unable to see Messi despite having valid tickets, while a select group of influential individuals and politicians were allegedly allowed close access to the footballer.
For bowing India’s head before the entire world and for playing recklessly with the emotions of the people of West Bengal, Chief Minister @MamataOfficial and Sports Minister Aroop Biswas must resign immediately.
First, people were forced to pay nearly ₹10,000 each, leading to… pic.twitter.com/EFtXlvaNx1
— BJP West Bengal (@BJP4Bengal) December 13, 2025
Allegations of Preferential Access
According to spectators, Messi remained surrounded by security personnel and a small group of political and influential figures throughout his brief appearance, preventing ordinary fans from getting even a glimpse of the football star. Videos and images circulating on social media showed angry crowds shouting slogans and damaging barricades, further fuelling public anger.
Opposition parties accused the state government of turning the event into a “VIP spectacle” at the cost of genuine fans, demanding accountability and resignations.
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Political Fallout
Biswas’s resignation marks the first major political consequence of the incident. While the Chief Minister’s Office has yet to announce whether the resignation has been accepted or who will take charge of the sports portfolio, officials said the government remains committed to fixing responsibility.
Sources said the probe will examine crowd management arrangements, security protocols, ticketing processes, and the role of organisers and state agencies in handling the event.
The incident has sparked a wider debate on the organisation of large-scale international sporting events in India and the balance between security, political presence, and fan access. With Messi’s visit generating enormous public interest, critics argue that the failure to manage expectations and logistics has damaged the state’s image as a sporting destination.
As the investigation gets underway, authorities are expected to record statements from organisers, security officials, and witnesses, even as fans continue to demand refunds and accountability for what many described as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity gone wrong.”
