The Victorian government has lashed Argentina for its conduct in regards to the now-cancelled fixture against Brazil, that was set to headline the MCG next month.
The fixture – a World Cup qualifier that was postponed due to COVID-19 – was to be treated as an exhibition match in Melbourne, with both teams having already sealed their spots at the World Cup despite playing one game fewer than the other South American nations.
A statement that was published on the MCG’s website on Wednesday night confirmed the news.
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“Regrettably, the event organisers for the Superclasico June 11 match at the MCG have been informed that contrary to their prior agreement and commitment to do so, Argentina is no longer prepared to travel to Australia for the match against Brazil,” the MCG statement reads.
“In response to this news, event organisers are now working with the key stakeholders connected to the match to review all options for the fixture and will provide further updates as quickly as possible.”
The Victorian sports minister, Martin Pakula, said the state was beyond disappointed with the decision.
“We’re pretty disappointed, and I think it’s fair to say pretty pissed off,” Pakula said.
“I think they owe Australian football fans an explanation because they haven’t provided an acceptable explanation to the promoter. And as far as I can tell, they haven’t provided one to the Brazilian football team, either.
“I know Brazil is very upset. It’s really impacting their preparation for the World Cup.”
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The Argentinian federation withdrew its agreement to play the dead-rubber qualifying tie earlier this week, but has not said why.
“I just think if you reach an agreement, you enter into contracts, you provide a letter of confirmation, parties are entitled to rely on that. I think the decision by the Argentines is just very, very poor form,” Pakula said.
“I don’t know what’s going on in football geopolitics, but for the Argentinians to respond to whatever happened… by just reneging on an agreement with Brazil and the promoter of this game, I just think it’s really poor form.”