Satadru Dutta is a prominent West Bengal-based sports promoter, event organiser, and philanthropist who founded "A Satadru Dutta Initiative", a company specialising in bringing global football icons to India. An MBA graduate from West Bengal University of Technology with prior experience in finance at firms like HSBC, Dutta transitioned to full-time sports promotion, driven by his passion for the game and admiration for figures like Sourav Ganguly.
He has a track record of organising high-profile visits, including Pelé (2015), Diego Maradona (2017), Cafu, Ronaldinho, and Emiliano Martínez. These events blended fan interactions, charity, and youth development, establishing him as a key figure in elevating India's connection to international football.
Dutta served as the primary organiser and promoter of Lionel Messi's "G.O.A.T. India Tour 2025", a multi-city private event marking the Argentine star's return after 14 years. Promoted under his initiative, the tour aimed to celebrate Messi's legacy through fan engagements, masterclasses, and exhibitions.
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The Kolkata leg at Salt Lake Stadium on December 13, 2025, descended into chaos due to alleged mismanagement. Fans, paying hefty ticket prices, barely glimpsed Messi amid a swarm of VIPs and security, leading to vandalism, bottle-throwing, and protests. Messi left after about 20 minutes.
Police arrested Dutta at Kolkata Airport shortly after, registering an FIR for cheating and related offences. Authorities assured ticket refunds and launched probes, with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologising publicly. The incident overshadowed Dutta's efforts to position India as a hub for global sporting events, raising questions about crowd control and planning for future celebrity visits.
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