Whitecaps FC to settle class-action lawsuit with fans over Messi no-show in Vancouver

The Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Major League Soccer have reached a proposed settlement in a class-action lawsuit brought by fans who felt misled after Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Sergio Busquets did not play in a May 2024 match in Vancouver. Fans voiced their disappointment with chants of “Where is Messi?” and subsequently filed a lawsuit alleging deceptive promotions. The proposed settlement includes updates to the Whitecaps’ ticketing policies to clarify that team rosters are subject to change, a $475,000 charitable donation to KidSport BC, Canada SCORES, and BGC South Coast BC, and a request for Ticketmaster to add a disclaimer regarding guaranteed player appearances. However, the settlement does not offer direct financial compensation to the fans. While the defendants deny any wrongdoing, over 3,000 fans had signed a petition seeking refunds due to inflated ticket prices—some reaching over $600 for a game typically priced around $30—prompted by the advertised appearance of these star players. Fans have until January 28, 2026, to object to the settlement or opt-out to pursue individual claims, and court approval is pending at a hearing in February.

(Source：SooToday)