US EditionB.C. court approves settlement in class-action lawsuit against Vancouver Whitecaps
The settlement compensates about 50,000 ticket buyers with free tickets and discounts, includes lawyer fees and charity donations, and mandates clearer ticketing disclosures.
- On March 2, 2026, the B.C. Supreme Court approved a settlement in a class-action against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Major League Soccer after promoted stars failed to appear.
- The promotional poster featured Sergio Busquets, Spanish player, and Lionel Messi, Argentinian player, raising fan expectations ahead of the May 2024 match, with plaintiffs saying ads `capitalized on the expectation` that stars would appear.
- Plaintiffs' counsel will receive lawyer fees of one-third of the settlement, just over $156,000, a $1,500 honorarium, and the remainder will go to three B.C. charities.
- The Whitecaps argued they could not control Inter Miami's lineup and made no liability admission but agreed to display ticketing terms more prominently; Majawa called the claim `novel` and dismissed some objections as `unsubstantiated internet rumours` and `AI hallucinations`.
- About 50,000 ticket buyers were in the class, and Ho Chun, lead plaintiff, faced `vitriolic language` and online misinformation that may deter representative plaintiffs.
31 Articles
31 Articles
Whitecaps, MLS settle suit in missed Messi game
The British Columbia Supreme Court approved a settlement in the class-action lawsuit against defendants MLS and the Vancouver Whitecaps that claimed both parties relied on "misleading promotional material" when selling tickets to a match against Miami.
$475K settlement approved in Vancouver Whitecaps class-action lawsuit after Messi no
The B.C. Supreme Court has approved a $475,000 settlement in a class-action lawsuit against the Vancouver Whitecaps and Major League Soccer after star players, including Lionel Messi, were promoted to play in a 2024 game but didn't show up.
BC Court Approves Settlement in Class-Action Lawsuit Against Vancouver Whitecaps
The B.C. Supreme Court has approved a $475,000 settlement in a class-action lawsuit against the Vancouver Whitecaps and Major League Soccer after star players, including Lionel Messi, were promoted to play in a 2024 game but didn’t show up. Justice Andrew Majawa approved the settlement in a Vancouver court, finding it was fair and reasonable in the “novel” case over alleged misleading promotional material before the game between the Whitecaps an…
The Toronto Star
B.C. court approves settlement in class-action lawsuit against Vancouver Whitecaps
VANCOUVER - The B.C. Supreme Court has approved a $475,000 settlement in a class-action lawsuit against the Vancouver Whitecaps and Major League Soccer after star players, including Lionel Messi, were
Whitecaps, MLS to pay fans in Messi no-show suit
The British Columbia Supreme Court approved a settlement in the class-action lawsuit against defendants MLS and the Vancouver Whitecaps that claimed both parties relied on "misleading promotional material" when selling tickets to a match against Miami.
Lionel Messi’s absence in May 2024 game forces Vancouver Whitecaps, MLS to pay $347K settlement
Due to Lionel Messi's absence in a game back in May 2024, the Vancouver Whitecaps and the MLS will have to pay a $347K settlement. Lionel Messi has proven time and again to be a box office draw across Major League Soccer, breaking attendance records at stadiums throughout the continent whenever Inter Miami come to town. However, one of his absences, back in May 2024, has now led to the Vancouver Whitecaps and MLS agreeing to pay $347,000 in sett…
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