“Refund Guy” Proven Wrong as Consulate Denies Free Entry Claim for Chinese Fans

At 11:00 p.m. on January 24, the final of the AFC U23 Asian Cup will kick off, with China set to face Japan in a highly anticipated showdown. However, just hours before the match, claims that Chinese fans could enter the stadium for free were officially denied by the Chinese Consulate General in Jeddah.

The controversy began when media figure He Sheng, widely known online as “Refund Guy,” posted on social media claiming that Chinese fans would be granted free access to the final. His statement came after China’s U23 team delivered a dominant 3–0 victory over Vietnam in the semifinals, igniting nationwide excitement.

With the team reaching the final, many Chinese fans reportedly rushed to book flights to Saudi Arabia, hoping to witness the historic match in person. From Jeddah, He Sheng claimed that Chinese diplomatic staff had coordinated with the Saudi Football Federation to allow Chinese supporters to enter the stadium without purchasing tickets.

He wrote: “After China’s U23 team reached the final, many fans booked flights overnight to come to Jeddah. I’ve just received good news—Chinese consular staff have coordinated with the Saudi FA, and all Chinese fans can enter the stadium for free on match day.”

He also joked sarcastically: “Some fans bought tickets right after the win, and now they’re told entry is free? What about the money we paid? Refund!”

The post quickly went viral, sparking heated discussion among fans. However, the Chinese Consulate General in Jeddah soon issued an official statement denying the claim.

The consulate clarified: “The Chinese Consulate General in Jeddah hereby reminds fans that claims circulating on certain self-media platforms such as ‘free entry for Chinese nationals’ or ‘entry with a Chinese passport’ are false. Fans are advised to obtain match tickets through official channels and make proper travel arrangements in advance.”

Following the clarification, public opinion shifted rapidly. He Sheng later responded, explaining that his intention was to prevent potential safety issues and that he was concerned fans might encounter problems on-site due to misinformation.

The incident serves as a reminder to rely on official sources during major sporting events, as misinformation can easily lead to confusion—or worse—at critical moments.