A settlement proposal in a class-action lawsuit will not compensate numerous ticket purchasers who were promised a chance to watch soccer icons Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suarez play for the Vancouver Whitecaps at B.C. Place in May 2024 but never did. Instead, the proposed settlement suggests that the Whitecaps pay $475,000, with a deduction of up to one-third for the lawyers representing the plaintiffs, to be divided among three charitable organizations. The details of this proposal were disclosed on Monday by the legal firm representing the individual who initiated the lawsuit in Burnaby, B.C.
The plaintiff, Ho Chun, alleged that he paid $404 for a pair of tickets to witness Inter Miami CF compete against the Whitecaps in a game where the three renowned Miami players were advertised to participate. However, they did not show up, with the announcement of their absence made shortly before the game. Chun’s lawsuit labeled this situation as a “bait-and-switch,” referencing various advertisements across print, online, social media, and billboards that had promised the trio.
The Vancouver Whitecaps mentioned in an email to CBC News that a settlement had been reached regarding the class action linked to the Whitecaps FC v. Inter Miami CF game on May 25, 2024, pending approval by the British Columbia Supreme Court. Evolink, the legal representation for the plaintiffs, declined to provide any comments.
As per the proposed settlement terms, the Whitecaps will update their ticketing terms and conditions to clarify that player rosters are subject to change and are not guaranteed. Furthermore, the team will include similar information in pop-up notices on Ticketmaster’s website and prominently display the revised terms and conditions on its own site.
Initially seeking a full refund for unused tickets and a partial refund for used tickets, Chun’s lawsuit aimed to claim the price difference between the Miami game and the average cost of other Whitecaps games. It accused the Whitecaps and the MLS of being negligent in confirming the participation of Messi, Suarez, and/or Busquets in the Vancouver v. Miami game.
The lawyers for the plaintiffs could potentially earn over $156,000 from the $475,000 fund if the court approves the maximum 33% fees and expenses charge. The remainder of the fund will be distributed to three sports charities – KidSport B.C., Canada SCORES, and BGC South Coast B.C. A settlement approval hearing is set for February 27, 2026, at the B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver.
In an attempt to address fan dissatisfaction, the Whitecaps provided a 50% discount on food and beverages at the no-show game, alongside a complimentary meal combo for attendees under 18. Additionally, the club offered free tickets to another regular-season game in 2024 for all fans who had attended the affected match.