10th January 2025 – (Hong Kong) Recent developments surrounding FC Barcelona’s anticipated visit to Hong Kong have raised eyebrows, particularly regarding the event’s organiser, Winman Advertising and Entertainment Group. The company, which claims to be behind the July event at Kai Tak Sports Park, has been revealed to have been registered for less than a year, contradicting its assertions of having seven years of experience. It has also stated that it has acquired WeMine, a social media technology marketing company founded in 2015, and shares office space in Kwun Tong. However, WeMine’s ownership structure remains unchanged, and the company has indicated that while multiple parties have expressed acquisition interest, its relationship with Winman is limited to advertising services.
Wong Ho-ting, CEO of Winman, noted that they have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), suggesting that the terminology of “acquisition” is open to interpretation. He mentioned that Winman has not directly engaged with Barcelona, although an overseas entity registered under the Winman Group has done so, refusing to disclose its registration details or name, responding somewhat flippantly, “You’ve got to find out yourself.”
Despite Winman’s claims of being the event’s organiser, Kai Tak Sports Park has countered that it has only received inquiries and no formal applications. The Football Association has also confirmed that no event applications have been submitted.
Barcelona’s official response to inquiries from Hong Kong media clarified that it has not announced plans for pre-season matches in the 2025-26 season, stating that the notion of “Barcelona visiting Hong Kong” is merely a claim from Winman.
In an interview with local media HK01, Wong reiterated that Winman and its partners have signed a contract with Barcelona but declined to reveal further details, only suggesting a mutual shareholding relationship with the unnamed partner. When pressed for specifics about the overseas registration, Wong again refrained from providing information.
The official website of Winman claims over seven years of experience, with more than ten locations and over 120 employees. However, investigations revealed that the company was only established in February 2024. Following concerns raised by media coverage regarding its legitimacy, Winman issued a statement claiming that it had indeed been engaged in acquiring successful companies, including WeMine, and apologised for any misunderstandings caused by outdated information on its website.
WeMine, registered in 2015, has confirmed that while it has had advertising service dealings with Winman, it is not in any formal acquisition process. Recent inquiries into the relationship between the two companies have revealed no overlap in their shareholder structures.
Wong attempted to clarify discrepancies between Winman’s claims and WeMine’s statements, suggesting that the interpretation of “acquisition” might vary depending on how one defines corporate relationships, likening it to engagements that may not lead to marriage.
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