FIFA World Cup 2026 Media Rights Row: Hyderabad Businessman Files Cheating Case
HYDERABAD: A Hyderabad-based businessman has accused a US-based investor and his associates of submitting forged financial documents that allegedly derailed his company’s bid to secure the FIFA World Cup 2026 media rights for the Indian subcontinent. The Central Crime Station (CCS) of the Telangana Police has registered a criminal case alleging cheating, forgery and criminal conspiracy.
The CCS registered the case on July 7 based on a complaint filed by Pritish Kollati, managing director of Hyderabad-based Metalloid Productions Private Ltd, a media and event management company. The complaint names US-based businessman Deelip Mhaske, also known as Sam Mhaske, and others.
Company says it won FIFA bid
According to the complaint, Metalloid submitted a winning bid of $70.57 million (about ₹670 crore) in September 2025 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcasting rights in the Indian subcontinent.
Kollati said FIFA informed the company on September 18, 2025, that Metalloid had emerged as the successful bidder. FIFA also said both sides would begin exclusive contractual negotiations after the company fulfilled the required terms and conditions.
Kollati said Metalloid had reached an in-principle understanding with India’s national broadcaster before submitting the bid. However, the broadcaster later withdrew due to regulatory approvals and internal constraints.
Investor entered after broadcaster withdrew
After the broadcaster backed out, Metalloid began searching for investors to meet its financial commitments.
During this process, a mutual acquaintance introduced Mhaske to Kollati. The complaint alleges that Mhaske presented himself as a businessman with access to substantial funding. He also showed photographs with prominent public figures, including what Kollati described as interactions with FIFA leadership.
Based on those representations, Metalloid signed a non-circumvention agreement and a term sheet with Mhaske’s Washington-based firm, Avni LLC, for a proposed $50 million investment to acquire the media rights.
Financial documents came under scrutiny
The complaint alleges that Mhaske and his associated entities submitted financial documents to FIFA to support the proposed investment. These documents reportedly included records linked to a UBS Switzerland AG account in Zurich held in the name of Avni Products LLC, a Bank of Maharashtra comfort letter showing the availability of ₹205 crore, and corporate guarantees.
During FIFA’s due diligence process, officials allegedly found the documents fabricated or unverifiable. The complaint claims this raised serious concerns about the investor’s financial backing.
Company claims losses and reputational damage
Kollati alleged that Metalloid suffered losses of around ₹2 crore and significant reputational damage. He also claimed the incident jeopardised the company’s position as the successful bidder for the FIFA World Cup media rights.
“If FIFA files a suit against us for the loss of its revenue, my company will face legal consequences,” Kollati said in the complaint.
The CCS booked the case under Sections 318(3), 318(4), 336(3), 336(4) and 340(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deal with cheating, forgery and the use of forged documents.
CCS Deputy Commissioner of Police S. Chaitanya Kumar said investigators have started collecting evidence from the complainant.
“The complainant stated that Metalloid would have earned significant profits had it secured the media rights from FIFA. We are collecting evidence from the complainant as part of a preliminary inquiry. Based on the evidence, appropriate legal action will be initiated,” the DCP said.
