Kochi : The controversy surrounding the Argentina Football Association (AFA) deal in Kerala has escalated after Reporter TV Managing Director Anto Augustine issued a public ₹1 crore challenge to mainstream media outlets. Political analyst Sreejith Panickar responded with a ₹2 crore counter-challenge, putting the network’s management under intense scrutiny.
Anto Augustine’s Open Challenge to Mainstream Media
In a detailed Facebook post published on Independence Day, Reporter TV MD Anto Augustine strongly refuted ongoing allegations surrounding the financial transactions and licensing related to bringing the Argentina national football team to Kerala. Addressing rival media organizations including Asianet News, Manorama News, 24 News, Mathrubhumi News, and MediaOne, Augustine issued a ₹1 crore reward challenge to anyone who could prove six specific claims:
Prove that RBC (Reporter Broadcasting Company) has no valid contract with the Argentina Football Association (AFA).
Show documentary proof that money was transferred to AFA without necessary approvals.
Provide evidence supporting money laundering allegations.
Prove that central government permissions were lacking for foreign currency transfers.
Provide evidence that ₹55 crore was returned from AFA to RBC.
Establish any direct link between RBC and ‘Goat Ad’, the entity that initially pitched the proposal to the state government.
Augustine further invited media houses to an unedited, live 48-hour debate on Reporter TV to address these allegations publicly.
Sreejith Panickar Strikes Back with ₹2 Crore Counter-Challenge
Political commentator Sreejith Panickar delivered a swift counter-offer on social media, targeting the root of the procurement process. Panickar challenged Augustine to disclose how RBC secured the deal in the first place:
”How did you get this contract? Disclose the complete tender details and documents of that process, and I will hand over ₹2 crore to you.” — Sreejith Panickar
Panickar’s sharp intervention has shifted public focus toward the transparency of the bidding process and government engagement, turning the public dispute into a high-stakes media confrontation.
