A settlement proposal in a class-action lawsuit will not compensate numerous ticket purchasers who were promised to see soccer icons Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suarez in action at B.C. Place in May 2024 but never did. Instead, the proposed settlement suggests the Vancouver Whitecaps pay $475,000, with a potential deduction of up to one-third for the plaintiffs’ legal representatives, to be shared among three charitable organizations. The specifics of the settlement were disclosed on Monday by the legal firm representing the Burnaby, B.C., individual who initiated the lawsuit.
The lawsuit filed by Ho Chun asserts that he spent $404 on a pair of tickets to witness Inter Miami CF face the Whitecaps in a game where the aforementioned Miami stars were promoted to participate. However, none of them made an appearance, with their absence being revealed just a couple of days before the match. Chun’s legal action described the situation as a “classic bait-and-switch,” pointing out various forms of advertising, including print, online, social media, and billboards, that highlighted the trio.
The Vancouver Whitecaps conveyed in an email to CBC News that “a settlement has been reached in the class action” concerning the Whitecaps FC versus Inter Miami CF game on May 25, 2024, pending approval by the British Columbia Supreme Court. Evolink, the legal firm representing the class action claimants, declined to provide a comment.
Under the proposed settlement terms, the Whitecaps will update their ticketing terms and conditions to clarify that player rosters are subject to change and not guaranteed. The lawsuit initiated by Chun initially sought a full refund for unused tickets and a partial refund for those used, based on the disparity between the Miami game’s price and the average cost of other Whitecaps games.
The legal representatives for the plaintiffs could potentially receive over $156,000 from the $475,000 fund if the court approves the maximum 33% fees and expenses charge. The remaining sum will be allocated to the sports charities KidSport B.C., Canada SCORES, and BGC South Coast B.C. A hearing for the B.C. Supreme Court to approve the settlement is scheduled for February 27, 2026, in Vancouver.
When concerns initially arose in 2024 about Messi, Suarez, and Busquets potentially missing the match, Whitecaps CEO Axel Schuster released a statement online, emphasizing the club’s lack of control over the opposing team’s player selection. To appease disappointed fans, the Whitecaps offered a 50% discount on food and beverages at the no-show game, along with a complimentary meal combo for attendees under 18. Furthermore, the club later provided free tickets to another 2024 regular-season game for all fans who were present at the affected match.