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Former India captain Sourav Ganguly moves court against Argentina Fan Club Kolkata president, alleging baseless claims linking him to the chaotic Lionel Messi event, seeking Rs 50 crore in damages for defamation and damage to his reputation.
Ganguly clarifies he had no role in event planning.
Kolkata: Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has initiated legal proceedings against Uttam Saha, president of the Argentina Fan Club of Kolkata, by filing a defamation suit seeking Rs 50 crore in damages. The case arises from public statements made by Saha linking Ganguly to the chaotic Lionel Messi event held at Yuva Bharati Stadium on December 13. In his complaint submitted at Lalbazar, Ganguly described the remarks as “false, malicious, offensive and defamatory,” asserting that they caused significant harm to his personal and professional reputation. The filing demands a retraction and compensation for the reputational damage caused by these allegations.
Ganguly, who currently serves as the president of the Cricket Association of Bengal, emphasised that he played no official role in organising or managing the Messi event. According to the complaint, his presence at the stadium was solely as an invited guest, and he had no involvement in planning or execution. The defamation suit directly challenges Saha’s claims that Ganguly acted as a middleman in the management of the event, which was handled by the official organiser, Satadru Dutta.
The legal action comes in the wake of widespread criticism of the Messi event in Kolkata, which descended into disorder and drew national attention. Videos and reports from the venue highlighted crowd mismanagement, poor planning, and chaotic conditions that left many fans frustrated. Ganguly was seen leaving the stadium during the disturbances, appearing disappointed by the turn of events. The chaos overshadowed the much-anticipated visit of the football star, causing disappointment among paying attendees who expected an organised and memorable experience.
Following the incident, Satadru Dutta, the main organiser, was detained for questioning by authorities. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee publicly apologised on X, expressing regret over the mismanagement and apologising to Messi and the fans who were unable to enjoy the event properly. The incident also reignited discussions about VIP culture at major sports events, as reports showed limited interaction between Messi and fans, while officials and invited guests occupied prime areas of the field, further angering supporters.
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Ganguly’s complaint asserts that the allegations made by Saha were baseless and made with full knowledge of the damage they could cause. Legal representatives have issued a notice demanding a formal retraction and financial compensation. The move not only seeks justice for alleged defamation but also underscores the importance of responsible public statements, especially when they involve prominent public figures. By distancing himself from the organisational aspects of the Messi event, Ganguly has clarified his position and highlighted the role of the actual event organisers in the mismanaged programme.
The episode has drawn attention to the challenges of hosting high-profile sporting events in India, particularly the need for better planning, crowd management, and adherence to safety protocols. It has also sparked wider debates on accountability, the influence of VIP culture, and how misinformation or unverified claims can impact reputations. Ganguly’s legal move is likely to set a precedent for addressing defamation in high-profile public incidents, ensuring that individuals cannot be unfairly blamed for circumstances beyond their control.
