Hong Kong consumer watchdog urges Messi match organiser to quickly handle refunds, says it is the ‘best option’ to appease disgruntled fans
- Consumer Council says it received 1,300 complaints against Inter Miami game organiser Tatler Asia
- Tatler last week announced a 50 per cent refund to those who purchased match-day tickets via official channels, though details have not yet been released
The number of complaints against the regional luxury media brand stood at 1,300 as of February 9, Gilly Wong Fung-han, the Consumer Council’s chief executive, said on Tuesday.
“We think a refund is the best option for attendees,” she told a radio programme, while reminding ticket-holders to keep payment records as proof of purchase. “We also hope that they deal with the details of the refund … before mid-March.”
On February 6, Tatler apologised to football fans amid outrage over the absence of Inter Miami’s Messi in a friendly fixture in Hong Kong on February 4. Last week, it announced a 50 per cent refund to those who purchased match-day tickets via official channels.
Wong revealed the council had also suggested that Tatler hold another event for ticket holders of the match or distribute special souvenirs to them as a remedy.
“Considering all the different possibilities, time and costs … in the end, it was determined that a ticket refund would be the most direct and suitable way to soothe the emotions of fans,” she said.
Asked about her thoughts on the 50 per cent refund, Wong said the organiser still did well on the entire event experience which included several performers such as Mirror members and G.E.M, and that the amount was the most Tatler could offer.
