China News Service, February 21 (Xinhua) According to Hong Kong's "Dian News", Inter Miami played an exhibition match in Hong Kong on February 4. Argentine star Messi was absent from the game and refused to speak or interact after the game, causing dissatisfaction among fans. The organizer Tatler Asia withdrew its application for the "M" brand event on the 5th, gave up its HK$16 million in funding, and refunded 50% of the ticket price to the audience. Hong Kong Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau Secretary Yang Yunxiong said on the 21st that the SAR government will comprehensively review the approval and supervision mechanism of the "M" brand plan.
The Hong Kong Legislative Council held a meeting today (21st). Member Li Zijing was concerned about when the SAR government will review the approval and supervision mechanism of the "M" brand plan.
Yang Runxiong's written reply stated that the SAR government will work with the Major Sports Events Committee to comprehensively review the approval and supervision mechanism of the "M" brand plan, and further improve the relevant plans while promoting more large-scale international sports events to be held in Hong Kong. The review is expected Work was completed around the third quarter of this year.
Yang Runxiong once again explained the controversy surrounding Messi's absence from the game, saying that the SAR government had been urging the organizers to explain in detail its arrangements with Inter Miami regarding Messi's participation in the exhibition match, and to actively respond to requests from all walks of life. The SAR government continued to discuss with the organizers to find feasible solutions to deal with the incident, and later invited the Consumer Council to participate in the discussion.
Yang Runxiong pointed out that the SAR government welcomes the organizer’s decision to refund relevant subsidies and 50% of ticket prices, and believes that the organizer’s compensation plan is a responsible approach and shows its positive and responsible attitude. According to the relevant game accounts disclosed by the organizer, it shows that the organizer has made its best efforts and sincerity to arrange a 50% refund of the ticket price in response to the demands of all sectors of society.