Lionel Messi match organiser to withdraw HK$16 million funding request, but declines to address demands for ticket refunds in Hong Kong
- Tatler Asia to withdraw application for HK$16 million in government funding for event
- Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung says Tatler Asia’s decision to withdraw application has not entirely resolved matter
The organiser of a football match that superstar Lionel Messi sat out in Hong Kong, disappointing tens of thousands of fans, has withdrawn its application for HK$16 million (US$2.04 million) in government sponsorship for the much-anticipated event in the face of public outrage and official pressure.
Tatler Asia also revealed on Monday that Messi was said to be fit to play and included on the team sheet submitted by Inter Miami’s management before the match against a Hong Kong XI on Sunday.
But Tatler Asia made no mention of refunds for fans, many from mainland China and some from as far away as Thailand, to see the footballing legend play, and they made their anger clear with a chorus of boos at the end of the game at Hong Kong Stadium.
Tatler Asia chairman and CEO Michel Lamuniere said that Messi was among the list of players submitted by the team’s management. He added he was only told late in the second-half of the match that Messi was unfit to play.
“Tatler Asia promoted Tatler XFEST Hong Kong under a contractual agreement with Inter Miami CF that marquee players Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, and any additional highly recognised players that joined the club before the game, which applied to Luis Suarez, would play unless injured,” Lamuniere said.
“Tatler Asia deeply regrets the disappointing ending to what was an exciting occasion and has decided to officially withdraw its application for the M Mark and the HK$16 million government grant.