Sourav Ganguly Files Defamation Suit Against Argentina Fan Club President

Sourav Ganguly has initiated a defamation lawsuit against Uttam Saha, the president of the Argentina Fan Club in Kolkata, seeking ₹50 crore in damages. This legal action follows Saha's allegations linking Ganguly to a chaotic incident during Lionel Messi's GOAT India Tour in Kolkata. The controversy erupted after fans expressed their anger over VIPs obstructing their view of Messi, leading to vandalism at the stadium. The state government has formed a Special Investigation Team to look into the matter. Ganguly's complaint highlights the damage to his reputation caused by Saha's statements, which he claims were baseless and defamatory.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 19, 2025, 20:16 IST

Legal Action by Sourav Ganguly

In Kolkata, former captain of the Indian cricket team, Sourav Ganguly, has taken legal action against Uttam Saha, the president of the Argentina Fan Club in Kolkata, by filing a defamation lawsuit seeking damages of ₹50 crore.

This legal move comes in response to Saha's public accusations that connected Ganguly to a controversial incident that occurred at the Yuva Bharati Stadium during Lionel Messi's GOAT India Tour on December 13.

Ganguly's complaint, lodged at Lalbazar, asserts that Saha's comments have severely impacted his reputation and were made without any factual basis. He characterized Saha's statements as 'false, malicious, offensive, and defamatory,' claiming they were intended to tarnish his image.

In reaction, Uttam Saha stated that he would respond to Ganguly's claims. He expressed his respect for Ganguly as a legendary player but emphasized that if any issues arise on the football field, they would hold everyone accountable.

Saha remarked, 'We will reply to Sourav Ganguly, as this is a football ground, not cricket. While we respect him as a great player, we will not overlook any wrongdoing on the football field, whether it involves Sourav Ganguly or anyone else.'

The controversy began after Messi's appearance in Kolkata, which was the inaugural stop of the GOAT India Tour 2025, turned chaotic. Fans complained that VIPs and politicians obstructed their view of the football star.

Frustrated fans vandalized parts of the stadium, blaming the organizers for inadequate planning and management. As a result, Sports Minister Aroop Biswas resigned, a decision accepted by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The state government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) consisting of IPS officers Piyush Pandey, Javed Shamim, Supratim Sarkar, and Muralidhar to conduct a comprehensive investigation.

Following the Kolkata event, Messi continued his tour, visiting Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi, before concluding his trip at the Vantara animal sanctuary in Jamnagar.