Sourav Ganguly Files ₹50 Crore Defamation Suit Over Messi Controversy

Sourav Ganguly has launched a ₹50 crore defamation lawsuit against a Kolkata football fan club official for allegedly making false claims linking him to the Lionel Messi controversy. The former cricket captain has also filed a police complaint, asserting that the derogatory statements have harmed his reputation and mental health. The accusations stem from claims that Ganguly was behind the organization of Messi's G.O.A.T India tour, which has led to an ongoing investigation. Ganguly's scheduled event to honor Messi was canceled due to chaos at the venue. Read on for more details about this unfolding legal battle.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 19, 2025, 20:11 IST

Ganguly Takes Legal Action Against Football Fan Club Official

Sourav Ganguly has initiated a defamation lawsuit amounting to ₹50 crore against a representative of a Kolkata football fan club for allegedly involving him in the Lionel Messi controversy and making slanderous remarks about the former Indian cricket captain.

The cricketer-turned-administrator also filed a police report against Uttam Saha from the 'Argentina Football Fan Club' on Thursday.

Ganguly stated, "In addition to the police report, I have issued a ₹50 crore legal notice to this fan club official. They seem to say whatever comes to their minds," as reported by a news agency.

Saha had claimed in an interview that Ganguly was the mastermind behind organizing Messi’s G.O.A.T India tour, suggesting that the now-detained main organizer, Satadru Dutta, was merely a figurehead.

In his complaint sent to the Cyber Cell of Kolkata Police, Ganguly expressed that Saha's comments have negatively impacted his reputation and mental well-being.

According to a police officer, the complaint alleges that Saha made serious accusations against Ganguly without any factual support, and an investigation is currently in progress.

Ganguly emphasized in his complaint that such unfounded claims seem to be an effort to damage his well-established reputation.

In his email, he highlighted that throughout his extensive career, he has built a respected image both nationally and internationally as a sports figure and administrator, and these 'groundless' statements threaten that reputation.

Ganguly was set to honor the Argentine football star and his team alongside Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and other notable figures on December 13, but the event was called off due to chaos among spectators at the Salt Lake stadium following Messi's early departure.