Thiruvananthapuram, Sept. 11 -- A special investigation team (SIT) of Keralam's finance department has reported purported tax evasion to the tune of Rs.25.78 crore in its probe into the proposed visit of Lionel Messi and the World Cup-winning Argentine national football team to the state to play a friendly match.

The SIT, in its inquiry report submitted to the commissioner of State Goods and Services Tax department, has recommended probes by multiple agencies in the case.

According to officials, the purported tax evasion by Reporter Broadcasting Corporation, the private sponsor of the Messi visit, amounted to Rs.25.78 crore, of which Rs.22.68 crore was IGST not paid on foreign remittances made to the Argentine Football Association (AFA)...