MLS
Whitecaps fans ask for a refund for Messi absence in MLS game
Whitecaps fans are asking for a refund of their tickets after complaints of misleading advertising due to the use of Messi and Suárez’s names.
Inter Miami’s victory in Vancouver continues to give everyone plenty to talk about. More than two days before the match, Whitecaps fans collectively exploded on social media, demanding that the club refund part of the tickets for the 1-2 loss against ‘The Herons’.
Among the reasons is the so-called misleading advertising carried out by the team in the run-up to the match (‘Whitecaps vs Messi’), in addition to the exorbitant prices charged to see a team without their ‘galácticos’.
A new storm has once again shaken the MLS. Since Inter Miami confirmed that all of Messi, Suárez and Busquets would miss out on travelling to Canada, the fans have gone all in against both the league and the club. The reason for the absence was justified by the distance of the trip, 2,800 miles, the longest distance traveled by an MLS team to play a match in the entire history of the competition.
As soon as the news was known, the Whitecaps fans, through Change.org, issued a statement seeking financial compensation: “We, the undersigned, are deeply disappointed to hear that Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Sergio Busquets will not be participating in the upcoming match in Vancouver. These world-renowned players’ faces have been used in promotions since the schedule announcement, leading to increased ticket demand and premium pricing.”
In addition to accusing the club of carrying out misleading advertising when promoting the match, they also complained about the overpricing of tickets. In a normal season match, tickets to see the team “are around 30 dollars”, while for the match against Inter Miami they were “ranging from $300 to $600+”, a price that is “not justified without these star players”. Despite the prices, the Whitecaps achieved a new attendance record at their stadium with 32,465 present for the game.
Whitecaps fan statement:
Petition to Vancouver Whitecaps Management
Fair Ticket Pricing and Refunds for Fans
Dear Vancouver Whitecaps Management,
We, the undersigned, are deeply disappointed to hear that Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Sergio Busquets will not be participating in the upcoming match in Vancouver. These world-renowned players' faces have been used in promotions since the schedule announcement, leading to increased ticket demand and premium pricing.
Our Concerns:
1. Misleading Promotions: The use of Messi, Suárez, and Busquets in promotional materials has misled fans into believing they would see these stars play, leading to significantly higher ticket prices.
2. Unjustified Premium Pricing: Ticket prices ranging from $300 to $600+ are not justified without these star players. Typically, Whitecaps tickets are around $30, and the upper bowl of the stadium is rarely open.
3. Inadequate Compensation: A 50% discount on food and beverages is not sufficient compensation. Fans have spent significant amounts of money expecting to see these stars, and the value of the match without them does not justify the current pricing.
Our Demands:
1. Refunds: We request that fans who purchased tickets expecting to see Messi, Suárez, and Busquets be offered a refund or substantial partial refund to reflect the actual value of the game without these players.
2. Fair Pricing: Adjust future ticket pricing to ensure it reflects the actual players who will be participating. If the presence of star players cannot be guaranteed, prices should remain similar to typical rates.
3. Transparency: Ensure clear and honest communication about player participation in future promotions to avoid misleading fans.
4. Prevent Future Occurrences: Implement policies to prevent similar situations from happening in the future, ensuring fans receive value for their money and trust is maintained.
As happened in Hong Kong during preseason, the fans are demanding compensation beyond the 50% discounted products during the game. Among the demands, the fans demand a “refund or substantial partial refund to reflect the actual value of the game without these players” in addition to “adjust[ing] future ticket pricing to ensure it reflects the actual players who will be participating.”
”If the presence of star players cannot be guaranteed, prices should remain similar to the usual rates,” the statement reads. The next game for the Whitecaps is against Sporting Kansas City at Children’s Mercy Park. After that, they play Colorado Rapids at home. It will be interesting to se the turnout for that game, as well as seeing if the angry fans have calmed down. The Whitecaps sit 7th in the current MLS standings.