Fans who wished to file claim accept Tatler's refund proposal: Bill Tang

The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions (FTU) lawmaker "Bill" Tang Ka-piu, who was set to file a claim regarding Messi's no-show in an exhibition match against the Hong Kong team, said on Friday that fans generally accepted the compensation proposal put forward by Tatler Asia. 

Tatler Asia, the organizer of the Inter Miami vs Hong Kong Team exhibition game, announced this afternoon that a 50% refund will be provided due to the absence of Argentine football icon Lionel Messi. 

Tang earlier said he and affected fans planned to file a claim to the Small Claims Tribunal. 

This afternoon, he said the fans generally accepted the refund after weighing factors including time cost and legal risks, and hoped to start anew in the Year of the Dragon and enjoy the holidays. 

He also said he undersands that various government departments, including the Culture, Sports, and Tourism Bureau, the Consumer Council, and customs, attach great importance to the case and actively coordinate to facilitate the refund plan, for which he was fully grateful.

However, the FTU lawmaker stated that he would never forget the "behavior of international stars who let Hong Kong fans down" and that all walks of life in Hong Kong must "respect themselves and strengthen themselves."