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Lionel Messi row sparks review of government handouts to support major sporting events; to be completed by third quarter of year
- Examination of grants system, set up to back big events, was ordered in wake of row after football star Lionel Messi no-show in city friendly match
- But Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung warned against tough terms that could deter potential promoters of prestige events
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A review of the system which gives private organisations public funds to support major sports events in Hong Kong will be completed by the third quarter of the year, the government’s culture chief has said.
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But Kevin Yeung Yun-hung, the culture, sports and tourism secretary, warned at a Legislative Council meeting on Wednesday against tough contract terms which might deter promoters of prestigious money-spinners for the city.
He emphasised the importance of a “balanced approach” to ensure organisers stuck to contracts, but said the rights of private enterprise should be respected.
The review was launched after a row erupted when Argentinian superstar footballer Lionel Messi failed to take the field for his Inter Miami team in a match against a Hong Kong select earlier this month, which left tens of thousands of fans angry and disappointed.
Messi’s no-show forced promoter Tatler Asia to withdraw its application for HK$16 million (US$2.04 million) in government sponsorship for the event in the face of public outrage and official pressure.
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