INDIA: Shaji Prabhakaran, a familiar figure in Indian and international sports administration, has taken on the role of Chief Advisor for the GOAT India Tour Messi. His appointment comes at a moment when football in India is undergoing a renewed push for global visibility, and his experience across multiple sporting bodies positions him as a central figure in shaping the tour’s execution and broader impact.
Prabhakaran’s career spans major organisations, including the Asian Football Confederation, South Asian Football Federation, All India Football Federation, FIFA, the International Cricket Council, Delhi Soccer Association, and Delhi Sports University. His work across these institutions reflects a long engagement with governance, player development, and the operational challenges of large sporting ecosystems.
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In addition to his new role, he continues to hold multiple responsibilities within the sector. He is the Founder and President of the Association for Sports Industry Professionals, a Member of the AFC Finance Committee, and Co-Founder of the Khel India Sports Foundation. He also served on the Local Organising Committee for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup India 2022, contributing to India’s efforts to deliver a major international football event and demonstrate operational readiness for future tournaments.
Prabhakaran has been closely associated with the evolution of football governance in India. His tenure as Secretary General of the All India Football Federation placed him at the centre of decision-making during a period when structural reforms, youth pathways and stakeholder coordination were gaining prominence. He also held roles such as CIES Coordinator for South Asia, Senior Consultant at the Asian Football Confederation, Strategic Advisor to Hindustan Zinc and Head of Strategy and Business Partnerships at Domo Sports Grass. These diverse assignments deepened his understanding of administrative, commercial and developmental aspects of sport at both national and regional levels.
Shaji Prabhakaran’s Focus on Building Stronger Sporting Institutions
Colleagues who have worked with Prabhakaran describe him as someone who gravitates toward institutional strengthening and long-term planning. His involvement in multiple committees and foundations has allowed him to work closely with state associations, clubs and training networks, often focusing on sustainable models for player development. Much of his work has been aimed at building continuity across age groups, improving technical structures and addressing gaps that have historically affected Indian football’s progression.
The GOAT India Tour Messi is expected to draw significant public attention, marking a rare moment when an international football icon engages directly with Indian fans. For organisers, the challenge lies not only in managing the logistics of a high-profile tour but also in ensuring that the event contributes to India’s broader sporting narrative. Prabhakaran’s appointment indicates an effort to balance operational execution with long-term thinking about how major events intersect with grassroots development and public engagement.
Observers note that his experience with FIFA and AFC gives him an understanding of how global bodies view emerging football markets. This perspective is often critical when India hosts or bids for international events, as it shapes how local organisers align with global standards while navigating domestic complexities. His involvement in previous tournaments, including the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, has also given him insights into venue coordination, talent identification opportunities and community outreach programs that typically accompany global events.
As India positions itself more assertively within world sport, appointments such as this reflect an increasing emphasis on experienced administrators who can bridge both domestic and international expectations. For Prabhakaran, the role adds another chapter to a career defined by extensive engagement with different layers of the sports ecosystem.
The GOAT India Tour Messi is expected to generate excitement among fans, but for administrators, it also represents a test of India’s capacity to host events that blend spectacle with structural value. With Prabhakaran advising on the process, organisers hope to draw on his experience to ensure clarity in planning and a stronger connection between the event and India’s long-term sporting ambitions.
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