The chairman of the Major Sports Events Committee on Thursday said there is a need to review its vetting system for awarding events an "M" mark status and the public sponsorship that comes with it, following the uproar over Lionel Messi failing to play in Inter Miami's friendly in Hong Kong last weekend.

In light of criticism from the government and fans angry they didn't get to see the Argentinian star in action, the organiser of the exhibition match said it wouldn't pursue the HK$16 million grant it was expecting.

Wilfred Ng, who chairs the events committee, said members had decided the match fulfilled the criteria for an "M" mark – with considerations including player line-up, financial viability and likely media coverage – because it would boost the SAR's economy and promote sports development.

"Some people are concerned that the vetting period is less than six months. But there will be special arrangements for large-scale events like this," he said.

"In fact, we all hope that mega events will happen in Hong Kong, but the thing is how we can do a better job and protect the audience."

On working with an organiser with no experience in hosting large-scale football events, Ng said the committee will beef up efforts in supervising and defining responsibilities.