'Ronaldo No-Show Controversy' Court Orders "Compensate 371,000 Won Per Football Fan"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] In the first civil lawsuit related to the 'Ronaldo no-show' controversy caused by Cristiano Ronaldo (35) not participating in last year's professional soccer All-Star game, the court ruled in favor of the soccer fans.

Judge Lee Jae-wook of the Incheon District Court Civil Division 51 presided over the verdict hearing held on the 4th and partially ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, two spectators including Mr. Lee, in a damages lawsuit filed against The Festa, the organizer of the Juventus friendly match in Italy.

The judge ordered The Festa to pay each of the two plaintiffs 371,000 won. No separate reason for the verdict was disclosed.

Ronaldo did not participate in the friendly match between the K League select team (Team K League) and Juventus held at Seoul World Cup Stadium on July 26 last year, sparking the 'no-show' controversy.

The two spectators, including Mr. Lee, filed a civil lawsuit claiming that the organizer's advertisement that Ronaldo would definitely participate was false and exaggerated, and that they should be refunded the ticket price and other costs.

After the damages complaint was filed with the court, hearings were held consecutively in December of the same year and last month, and the verdict hearing was conducted on this day.

Additionally, 87 members of the Naver 'Ronaldo Incident Lawsuit Cafe' filed a lawsuit against The Festa at the Seoul Central District Court in August last year, claiming damages totaling 82.8 million won, with 950,000 won per person.