Mamata Banerjee-designed football-themed statue at Salt Lake Stadium destroyed by West Bengal government in Kolkata: Video | Today’s news
The controversial statue located in front of the VVIP entrance of the Salt Lake Stadium, also known as the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan near Kolkata, was pulled down on Saturday morning on the instructions of the West Bengal government, according to officials.
The artwork is said to have been designed by former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Former Minister of State for Sports Arup Biswas said the facility, which was widely condemned as “bizarre” and “nonsensical” by football enthusiasts, would be removed from the stadium premises, according to PTI.
The statue, which was installed during the Salt Lake Stadium renovation in 2017, depicted a pair of waist-high legs, crowned with the “Biswa Bangla” emblem, while a soccer ball at the base bore the word “Joyee”.
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Since its installation, the building has sparked ongoing debate among football fans and visitors, many of whom have questioned its symbolism and its appropriateness outside of one of the country’s premier football stadiums.
Nisith Pramanik, who was present at the Mohun Bagan-East Bengal derby held at the stadium on May 17, strongly criticized the statue while addressing reporters after the match. He said: “It’s a strange and awkward looking structure, cut off by a couple of feet with a soccer ball on top. Many believed that since it was installed it had started to deteriorate for the previous regime.”
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A senior sports department official mentioned that the decision to dismantle the installation was taken after consultation with the public works department and in line with plans to “reinforce a stronger football identity” throughout the stadium grounds.
“Salt Lake Stadium is an emotion for football fans across West Bengal. The intention is to create an aesthetic and culturally relevant sports landmark outside the stadium,” PTI quoted the official as saying on condition of anonymity.
Pramanik announced further infrastructure improvements around the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan, including proposals for food courts aimed at improving the match experience for fans during long games.
“We have taken several decisions about the infrastructure of the stadium, including the creation of a food court, so that fans do not have to face problems when matches last for a long time,” he said.
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He attended the derby alongside All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Kalyan Chaubey and praised the vibrant atmosphere at the stadium which witnessed over 62,000 spectators in attendance.
“Both the teams performed brilliantly… fans from both the clubs were present in huge numbers and everything took place in a calmness that would be possible only in Kolkata,” he said.
After the demolition, only the shoes and football elements remained on the site. In the meantime, it is said that discussions have already begun regarding the installation of a statue of the famous football player, which would replace the former structure.
Pramanik on the Messi tour fiasco
The Sports Minister went on to say that the Government will reopen an investigation into the controversial GOAT Tour event involving Lionel Messi and ensure that ticket holders are compensated.
Lionel Messi along with his Inter Miami CF teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul visited Kolkata in December 2025 but reportedly left the stadium early due to the crowd, disappointing many fans in attendance.
“As you all know, the Messi chapter was an embarrassment to this country and after I took over, we decided that the people who sabotaged the event will not be spared,” Pramanik said, adding: “We also discussed refunding the fans who spent their hard-earned savings to see Messi but couldn’t. If that doesn’t happen, we will be forced to take strict action.”
