Hyderabad event firm alleges $2 crore fraud in FIFA 2026 media rights deal

Hyderabad police have opened an investigation after Metalloid Productions Private Limited filed a complaint alleging a Rs 2 crore fraud in its bid for the FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcast and digital media rights in the Indian subcontinent. Managing Director Pritish Kollati says the company was introduced to Deelip Mhaske, also known as Sam, who claimed to represent US‑based Avni LLC and promised a $50 million investment. The complaint states Mhaske provided forged bank statements, financial guarantees and promotional material, all of which FIFA’s due‑diligence later found to be false or unverifiable. Metalloid claims it spent nearly Rs 2 crore on the bid and that the alleged deception damaged its reputation and jeopardised the contract. The accused have been booked on charges of cheating, forgery, use of forged documents and criminal conspiracy, with the Economic Offences Wing of the Central Crime Station leading the probe.