Argentina are also scheduled to play Ivory Coast in Beijing as part of the same trip. Although there was a possibility that Messi would participate, there was no guarantee that Messi would take part in the trip, as his team, Inter Miami, was scheduled to play a Major League Soccer game against the New York Red Bulls on March 23.
Tatler Asia announced that fans will receive a 50% refund on tickets for matches in Hong Kong. In a statement released by the media after reportedly meeting with government officials in the morning, details of the refund will be announced by mid-March, but refunds will only apply to tickets purchased through official channels. said.
The organizers also apologized to all fans who were disappointed by the episode, saying they had hoped the episode would “become the pride of Hong Kong.”
“We do not intend to shirk our responsibility as organizers, so Tatler Asia will provide a 50 per cent refund to members of the public who purchased match-day tickets through official channels.”
Officials said they welcomed the arrangement.
“The government welcomes the relevant decisions and believes that organizer Tatler Asia’s compensation plan is a responsible approach and demonstrates a positive and responsible stance.”
“According to the related game accounts disclosed by the organizer…Tatler Asia will make every effort to [shown] Honesty [by arranging] In response to requests from all sectors of society, we will refund 50 percent of the ticket price. ”
However, authorities said the public still had “many questions” about Messi’s absence from the pitch in Hong Kong, especially since the player was “active and engaged in strenuous exercise” in Japan just three days later. He said he understood.
“The government hopes that Inter Miami CF will eventually provide a reasonable explanation to Hong Kong citizens and fans who traveled to Hong Kong to watch the match.”
Tatler Asia are under increasing pressure after World Cup winner and Inter Miami teammate Luis Suarez was absent from last weekend’s match. In a lengthy statement, the club said it was “heartbroken like everyone else” about the player’s absence from the game.
As of 5pm on Friday, the city’s consumer watchdog had recorded 1,358 complaints related to match ticket sales, 274 of which were from tourists. The bill snowballed to about HK$9.4 million (US$1.2 million).
The Consumer Council said the refund offer was the best arrangement reached as a result of the efforts of various parties. Spectators were reminded to keep their tickets, receipts and other relevant evidence in case of refunds.
Hong Kong watchdog weighs in on Messi scandal after receiving 629 complaints
Hong Kong watchdog weighs in on Messi scandal after receiving 629 complaints
Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Secretary Kevin Yong Yun-hoon said the organizers’ decision to return half of the funds was realistic in the current situation.
“The Consumer Council, which has dealt with a number of complaint cases, also feels that this was the best option considering a variety of factors,” he said.
Regarding claims by some people, including Executive Council convener and lawmaker Regina Yip Lau Sooky, that Messi should be barred from entering Hong Kong again, Yong said that immigration policy is well-established and that Hong Kong said only that it would continue to welcome “all people.” For tourism, business and other activities.
Exco member Geoffrey Lam Kinh-fong also said the compensation plan was an “acceptable” response to the people’s demands. However, he added that Inter Miami needs to provide a reasonable explanation and a sincere apology as soon as possible to “put an end to the matter.”
Tatler Asia stressed that it had “invested millions of dollars and worked for months” to attract the team to Hong Kong, adding that watching them play in Japan “felt like another slap in the face.” I felt like that,” he said.
‘Bad luck’: Messi breaks silence after missing game against Hong Kong
‘Bad luck’: Messi breaks silence after missing game against Hong Kong
In addition to issuing a statement, the company also disclosed an unaudited financial breakdown related to the team’s visit, showing that the refunds would ultimately cost the company an additional HK$43 million on top of its entire projected profit.
It earned HK$156.9 million from ticket sales, merchandise sales, sponsorships and advertising, but spent HK$143.9 million on performance fees, stadium rental, accommodation, travel and various other related expenses.
The refund was expected to cost HK$56 million, although the net profit of HK$13 million equated to a profit margin of 8%.
Sources previously told the Post that Tatler Asia paid approximately US$7 million for the trip to Inter Miami.
On Thursday, MP Bill Tan Kapiu issued an ultimatum outside a small claims court in West Kowloon, saying Tatler Asia must remain on the bench within a week and explain why he was not retained as a judge. He said he was prepared to sue. We will offer refunds to those who paid more than HK$3,000 per ticket.
Mr Tan told the Post on Friday that after being promised refunds, more than 40 people who sought his help happily accepted the deal and abandoned the idea of pursuing claims.
“We didn’t expect Mr. Tatler to come up with a solution so quickly. This is a solution that everyone accepts,” he said.
Disappointment with the matches has prompted a review of the authorities’ system of providing extra funding and logistical support to organizers of major sporting events.
Sports Minister Yong also said the government had never seen the details of the organizers’ contract with Inter Miami, despite understanding that Messi would play 45 minutes unless injured.
More than 40,000 fans paid between HK$880 and HK$4,880 for match tickets. Some online comments ridiculed the refund proposal, with some saying the company was only acting due to government or public pressure.
“If you don’t accept the refund, please don’t even think about organizing other activities in Hong Kong,” one person wrote.
03:03
Lionel Messi plays in Japan three days after missing game against Hong Kong, adding fuel to fans’ anger
Lionel Messi plays in Japan three days after missing game against Hong Kong, adding fuel to fans’ anger
Hong Konger Alex Fung, an avid Messi fan since his debut almost 20 years ago, said he was “indifferent” to a refund after being disappointed in the match.
“We don’t need any compensation from the organizers,” he said.
“The bigger question here is whether there was an agreement between Tatler and Inter Miami for Messi to play,” he said. “As a consumer, I want answers more than I want my money back.”
Fan’s sentiments were echoed by Sam Lau, who spent about HK$6,000, including the HK$2,280 ticket price and accommodation at Inter Miami’s hotel.
Ms Lau said it was “fair” that Tatler Asia ultimately complied with consumers’ demands, but that returning the money would not make up for her loss of faith in the star and the organizers. .
Posts on mainland Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu expressed sympathy for the organizers, but anger at Messi remained high.
“Very unfortunate for the organizers, but how about an apology from Inter Miami and Messi himself?” one person asked.
Mainland Chinese also ridiculed an apology posted on the footballer’s Weibo account on Wednesday that it was submitted by Sichuan province, and questioned whether Messi was involved in writing the statement. occurred.
“Don’t blame the Sichuan Messi who didn’t even know he apologized!” one person wrote.
Additional reporting by Olga Wong