B.C. court approves settlement in class-action lawsuit against Vancouver Whitecaps
A B.C. court approved a $475,000 settlement against the Vancouver Whitecaps and MLS for misleading promotion of a 2024 game featuring players like Lionel Messi who did not play.Summary
The B.C. Supreme Court has approved a $475,000 settlement in a class-action lawsuit against the Vancouver Whitecaps and Major League Soccer. The lawsuit stemmed from allegations that fans were misled by promotional material promising the participation of star players, including Lionel Messi, in a 2024 game, but those players ultimately did not appear. Justice Andrew Majawa deemed the settlement fair and reasonable, noting the “novel” nature of the case.
The settlement funds, after legal fees, will be donated to three B.C. sports charities, and the Whitecaps have agreed to modify their ticketing practices to more prominently display terms and conditions, specifically clarifying that player participation in matches is not guaranteed. While the team admits no liability, the changes aim to prevent similar issues in the future.
Legal fees amounting to just over $156,000, representing a third of the settlement, were also approved, along with a $1,500 honorarium for the representative plaintiff. The class action included approximately 50,000 ticket holders who received partial compensation in the form of free tickets to another game and discounted food.
(Source：Castanet)