After the Lionel Messi precedent, clubs will be extremely cautious when making decisions on star players // Photo: gettyimages.com .
The class action lawsuit against the Vancouver Whitecaps and MLS relates to a match that took place on May 25, 2024 at the club’s home stadium, BC Place. That match did not feature the visitors’ star player Lionel Messi, causing ticket prices to be unreasonably inflated.
The fans’ discontent could not be mitigated
The fact that Messi will not take part in the match became known just two days before the event. Inter Miami head coach Gerardo Martino explained it by the desire to save Messi, Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets before the upcoming home games.
According to The Athletic (USA), by then fans had purchased overpriced tickets and were unhappy with the decision to keep Messi off the pitch. To alleviate their discontent, the Vancouver Whitecaps reduced the price of food at the stadium, provided meal vouchers for under-18s, and some fans were promised free tickets to future games at BC Place.
In June 2024, BC resident Ho Chun brought a class action lawsuit in the Supreme Court of the Canadian province on behalf of a group of complainants. He indicated that he had purchased two tickets for $404, which he said was about 10 times the standard price. The lawsuit also claimed that the advertising campaign made it appear as if Messi would definitely play in the match.
Let’s settle
The Vancouver Whitecaps administration and MLS denied the allegations of the complainants and insisted that the lawsuit was baseless. Subsequently, the parties, in order to avoid further legal expenses, agreed to a settlement in the form of payment to the applicants 475 thousand Canadian dollars (about $ 347 thousand at the current exchange rate).
It is reported that after deducting from the amount of legal costs, the funds will be directed to three Canadian charitable organizations to support children’s sports and, in particular, soccer.
Argentine striker, 38-year-old Lionel Messi is the world’s most decorated active soccer player. He has won the Ballon d’Or award a record eight times. As part of his national team won the World Cup in 2022, as part of Barcelona won the Champions League four times, 10 times – in the Spanish championship, three times – in the UEFA Super Cup. He has been with Inter Miami since 2023.
