A proposed resolution to a legal case will not compensate numerous ticket purchasers who were promised to witness soccer icons Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suarez play for the Vancouver Whitecaps at B.C. Place in May 2024 but did not get to do so. Instead, the proposed settlement suggests that the Whitecaps pay $475,000, with a deduction of up to one-third for the attorneys representing the plaintiffs, to be distributed among three charitable organizations. The specifics of the settlement were disclosed on Monday by the legal firm representing the individual from Burnaby, B.C., who filed the lawsuit.
Ho Chun’s lawsuit claimed that he paid $404 for a pair of tickets to observe Inter Miami CF play against the Whitecaps, with the expectation that the three well-known Miami players would participate. However, none of them appeared, with their absence only being announced shortly before the game. Chun’s lawsuit labeled it as a “classic bait-and-switch” scenario, pointing to various advertisements across print, online, social media, and billboards that featured the trio.
In response to inquiries from CBC News, the Vancouver Whitecaps stated that a settlement had been reached in the class action related to the Whitecaps FC versus Inter Miami CF match on May 25, 2024, pending approval by the British Columbia Supreme Court. Evolink, the law firm representing the class action claimants, declined to provide a comment.
As part of the proposed settlement, the Whitecaps will modify their ticketing terms and conditions to clarify that player rosters are subject to change and not guaranteed. The lawsuit initially sought a full refund for unused tickets and a partial refund for used tickets, equal to the disparity between the price paid for the Miami game and the average price of other Whitecaps matches.
The legal representatives for the plaintiffs could receive over $156,000 from the $475,000 fund if the court sanctions the maximum 33% fees and expenses charge. The remaining sum will be allocated to KidSport B.C., Canada SCORES, and BGC South Coast B.C., three sports charities identified to receive the funds. A hearing for the approval of the B.C. Supreme Court settlement is scheduled for February 27, 2026, in Vancouver.
In 2024, when initial reports hinted at uncertainties surrounding Messi, Suarez, and Busquets’ participation in the game, Whitecaps CEO Axel Schuster issued a statement online, explaining that the club had no influence over the opposing team’s player selection and aimed to inform fans promptly. The Whitecaps attempted to appease disgruntled fans by offering a 50% discount on food and beverages during the game, along with a complimentary meal combo for attendees under 18. Additionally, the club later provided free tickets to another regular-season game in 2024 to all spectators who were present at the no-show match.
