MLS team forced to pay eyewatering sum to fans in class-action lawsuit after advertising game against Lionel Messi... only for him to not play

The Vancouver Whitecaps and Major League Soccer were compelled to pay $347,000 as part of a class-action lawsuit settlement after advertising a game featuring Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Sergio Busquets, who ultimately did not play. Fans, including one who spent $335 on a ticket for a relative traveling from Italy, felt misled after purchasing tickets based on the advertised appearance of these star players. The lawsuit, initiated by plaintiff Ho Chun, argued that the team used the players’ images as “bait” to sell tickets at inflated prices – “ten times higher than the price of other Vancouver Whitecaps home games.”

While the Whitecaps and MLS denied liability, they agreed to settle to avoid further legal costs. The settlement, totaling CAD $475,000, will be donated to three sports-related charities: KidSport BC, Canada SCORES, and BGC South Coast BC. The agreement does not admit wrongdoing but includes revisions to ticketing terms and conditions, clarifying that player participation is subject to change and that depictions in marketing materials are for reference only.

This case highlights the potential legal ramifications of advertising specific players in sporting events, particularly when those players do not ultimately participate, and the importance of clear communication regarding player availability to avoid misleading fans.

(Source：Daily Mail Online)