Two fans sought compensation after Ronaldo did not play in a game between Juventus and K League All-Star, having bought tickets to see him specifically.
Rabat – A South Korean court has ordered the Fatsa Inc, a South Korean marketing agency, to pay compensation to two football fans who bought tickets to see Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo playing in a friendly game between Juventus Turin and K League All-Star.
During the game at the Seoul World Cup Stadium, Ronaldo remained on the substitute bench while 65,000 fans had come especially to see him play.
Juventus’ medical staff had recommended Ronaldo sit the game out because of muscle fatigue.
Fasta CEO Robin Chang told local broadcaster SBS that Ronaldo did not want to play.
“When I went to argue with Nedved, the vice president of Juventus, all he said was ‘I also wish Ronaldo ran, but he doesn’t want to. Sorry, there’s nothing I can do.’ I was so frustrated,” said Chang.
Fasta Inc had a deal with Juventus, stipulating that Ronaldo would participate for at least 45 minutes of the game.
Costing between €23 and €300, the tickets for the game sold out in a few minutes.
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The event organizer was accused of defrauding €4.4 million in ticket sales, having failed to meet the conditions of the contract.
The Incheon District Court ruling came after two South-Korea fans had filed a lawsuit with the court accusing the marketing agency of false advertising. The court ordered compensation in the amount of €282 per fan.
Fasta issued a press release on Saturday saying Juventus did not abide by the terms of the contract.
South Korea’s professional soccer governing body, K League, announced on Tuesday that it had sent a letter of protest to Juventus for violating the contract.
