The B.C. Supreme Court has given the green light to a $475,000 resolution in a collective lawsuit against the Vancouver Whitecaps and Major League Soccer following the absence of star players, such as Lionel Messi, who were anticipated to play in a 2024 match but did not appear. Justice Andrew Majawa endorsed the settlement on Monday, deeming it just and reasonable in a unique case concerning alleged deceptive advertising before the Whitecaps’ game against Inter Miami.
The plaintiff claimed that the team exploited the expectation of the star players’ presence, leading to accusations of breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and violations of provincial consumer laws and federal competition regulations, according to Majawa. In response to the lawsuit, the Whitecaps stated they had no authority over Miami’s player selection or their decision not to field Messi and others in the game.
While the team did not admit fault, they committed to enhancing the visibility of their ticketing terms on their website and clarifying that the participation of specific players in matches is not guaranteed. Majawa noted that a few individuals opted out of the class and some objected to the settlement, but he dismissed certain objections due to being rooted in baseless online rumors.
Among the objections was one that seemed to be generated by artificial intelligence and made references to “AI hallucinations.” The settlement, after deducting legal fees, will be contributed to three sports-related charities in B.C., which the judge described as a significant amount, alongside adjustments to the team’s ticketing procedures. The remaining portion of the settlement will benefit KidSport B.C., Canada Scores, and the Boys and Girls Club of B.C.’s South Coast.
Acknowledging the complexity of the case and the various available defenses, the judge expressed that the settlement does not need to be flawless. Legal fees amounting to one-third of the settlement, approximately $156,000, were approved, along with a $1,500 honorarium for the lead plaintiff, Ho Chun, who faced online abuse containing false allegations that tarnished his reputation.
Majawa highlighted the enduring impact of misinformation and disinformation online, underscoring the risks individuals face in the digital age when stepping forward as representative plaintiffs. The class encompassed approximately 50,000 ticket purchasers for the game, with fans receiving partial compensation in the form of a complimentary ticket to another match and discounted refreshments.