Messi Visit Row: Kerala High Court Issues Notice On Plea To Quash FIR Against Reporter TV MD Anto Augustine
Anamika MJ
7 Nov 2026 10:30 AM IST
The Kerala High Court on Friday (06 November) issued notice on a plea moved by Reporter TV Managing Director- Anto Augustine, seeking to quash a FIR registered against him in connection with the probe in Argentina Football Team Visit Row.
The FIR was registered against Anto Augustine by a Special Investigation Team, which is investigating the alleged financial misappropriation linked to a failed attempt to bring the Argentina National team and its former captain Lionel Messi for an international match in Kochi.
When the matter was taken up yesterday, Justice P.V. Balakrishnan issued notice to the respondents.
According to the FIR, Anto Augustine entered into a criminal conspiracy in December 20, 2024, when illegal and fake details were inserted into the agreement signed with the Argentina Football Association, with the intent of cheating the State government and the public.
The FIR further alleges that Anto Augustine conspired to gain custody of the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium at Kalloor by securing exemption from the ₹5 crore security deposit on September 26, 2025.
The matter is now posted on 23 November for further consideration.
Case Title: Anto Augustine v State of Kerala
Case No: Crl. MC 9266/ 2026
Counsel for Petitioner: Vishak K. Johnson, C.S. Bissimon, Bijoy P. Pulipra, S. Rajeev
