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TIFFANY AP

Sands China's shelved advert starring David Beckham was leaked on the internet today as the company blamed “technical complexity” for the delay in the campaign's launch.
The development came a day after the South China Morning Post revealed that the casino had pulled the plug on it just two days before the big reveal on February 12.
After initially refusing to say why the launch was scrapped, the company released an explanation last night.
“The company would like to clarify that the press event had to be postponed due to the technical complexity in adapting this internationally produced, high-quality TV commercial to various media platforms at our properties.
"This issue could potentially have led to a press preview experience that would not have met The Venetian’s high standards of quality if the event were to have taken place on February 12 as originally planned.”
However, the company has since given conflicting dates for the advert's roll-out. The Venetian Macao’s Twitter account, which started a 10-day countdown, promised just yesterday that “everything will be revealed" on February 12.
Hours later, in a statement, the firm said the launch would be on February 13 "as planned".

“However, it is important to note that the campaign itself is still launching as planned on February 13 in Macao and Greater China – in print, on television, and in outdoor advertising, as well as on digital and social media platforms," it said last night.
"The campaign TV commercial can be viewed starting February 13 on TDM in Macao, on TVB Jade and TVB Pearl in Hong Kong, and on major TV media channels in mainland China, including cinema screens, out-of-home TV screens, and on trains.”
Earlier today, the video was leaked on Macau-based website WGM8.com, which follows the gambling industry closely.
The largest casino in the world had been anticipating and promoting its ad campaign promising a world-famous icon and shot by a well known director. 
The Post had confirmed on Tuesday that David Beckham is the star of the film.
Despite swapping multiple emails and calls with the Post, the Sands public relations team never mentioned technical issues as a reason. They also offered to give a copy of the video to the Post for publishing, on the condition that it hold off on revealing the celebrity's identity for a day.
The Post declined the offer.
The "Never Settle" campaign advert shows the celebrity ex-soccer player arriving at the Venetian Sands hotel in Macau to the flash of cameras. Clad in a sharp suit, he then coolly saunters around the complex, taking in the luxury shops, restaurants and gondola rides as smiling, well-dressed Asian guests mill around him.
READ MORE: Launch of David Beckham ad campaign axed by Venetian Macao just 48 hours before roll-out
In one scene, Beckham toasts to a fellow guest at a Chinese restaurant and in another scene stands on a high platform, above the cheering crowds, watching a boxing match.
In the last sequence of the advert, he joins a masquerade at the Venetian's frescoed lobby, where he kicks a soccer ball over a golden chandelier, then raises a glass in triumph as confetti and fireworks rain down.
WGM8.com wrote: “In our opinion, the Venetian’s statement makes no sense whatsoever.
"Firstly, can it really be true that a company as large as Venetian Macao, which prides itself on its world-class MICE capabilities, suffered 'technical complexity in adapting [the] TV commercial to various media platforms at our properties' on such an important campaign featuring, in Venetian’s own words, 'one of the world’s most famous global icons'?"
"Surely this campaign cost hundred of thousands if not millions to produce, with a media spend certainly in the millions of dollars," the site said.
The original launch invited media to a ceremony attended by Las Vegas Sands chief marketing officer Dave Horton.
Multiple emails and calls to Sands public relations team this morning were not returned.


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Luxury & Gaming

David Beckham casino advert leaked as Venetian Macao blames launch delay on ‘technical issues’

A still from the Venetian Macao advert starring David Beckham.

Launch of David Beckham ad campaign axed by Venetian Macao just 48 hours before roll-out

David Beckham leaves his handprints for posterity during a press conference at The Venetian Macao in November 22, 2013. Photo: Edward Wong

The Venetian Macao casino resort. Photo: AP

David Beckham

News

Hong Kong

Confusion reigns as Sands gives conflicting dates for glitzy advert's launch


Sands China's shelved advert starring David Beckham was leaked on the internet today as the company blamed “technical complexity” for the delay in the campaign's launch.


Video | David Beckham casino advert leaked as Venetian Macao blames launch delay on ‘technical issues’

Confusion reigns as Sands gives conflicting dates for glitzy advert's launch