Local soccer fans have signed a petition demanding they have their tickets refunded after Lionel Messi didn’t play against the Vancouver Whitecaps on May 25th at BC Place.
Just two days before the highly-anticipated match, the Whitecaps announced Messi would not be travelling to Vancouver for the game.
“While we haven’t received an official update on the availability of Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Sergio Busquets for this weekend, we understand they will not make this trip. Unfortunately, we have no control over who plays for our opponent, and it was important for us to communicate to our fans as soon as possible,“ said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC CEO at the time.
Luis Suárez and Sergio Busquets also didn’t play against the Whitecaps.
As of Monday morning, the petition has received over 2,700 signatures demanding fans get a refund.
“These world-renowned players’ faces have been used in promotions since the schedule announcement, leading to increased ticket demand and premium pricing,” reads the petition.
The petition states that fans paid higher prices to see Messi play.
“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.”
Fans shelled out hundreds of dollars for a chance to see these star players in action.
“Ticket prices ranging from $300 to $600+ are not justified without these star players,” adds the petition.
Those who signed the petition are asking that fans who purchased tickets “be offered a refund or substantial partial refund to reflect the actual value of the game without these players”.
All in-stadium food and beverage options were 50% off at the game and fans who attended the game were offered free tickets to another Whitecaps game in the future.