AFL 2023: AFL locks in plan to show Matildas World Cup game on MCG screens

The AFL has ticked-off on a deal to show the Matildas’ World Cup quarter-final clash with France at the MCG — check out the details.

M\ happens if the game goes to penalties?

The AFL will play the Matildas’ World Cup quarter-final against France on Saturday night at the MCG — but only until 7.10pm.

The league has ticked-off on the deal to show the game on the big screen for an estimated 70,000 fans.

But the game will switch over from the World Cup to the AFL action about the end of regulation time.

The league is happy it was able to overcome some hurdles on Friday to complete the deal.

“We approached all relevant parties with the idea earlier this week, and we thank them for their cooperation, it is terrific we have been able to get this over the line,” Carlton CEO Brian Cook said.

“Carlton members and supporters will be there in full voice as we take on the Demons at our home game tonight, so to give fans coming to the game the chance to arrive early and support the Matildas, it just makes sense and is the right thing to do.

“We look forward to what will be a special atmosphere, at an MCG that will be covered in green, gold and navy blue.”

WHAT IF THE MATILDAS CLASH GOES TO PENALTIES?

The first quarter of the game between Carlton and Melbourne may be replaced from the big screen at the MCG on Saturday night. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Football chiefs on Friday night were locked in high-level talks with soccer bosses and broadcast partners about the plan to show the cutthroat World Cup clash on the MCG big screen from 5pm on Saturday.

The main sticking point was what to do in the event the soccer action continued after the first bounce on Saturday night.

The AFL game has already been pushed back five minutes to start at 7.30pm.

The Herald Sun understands FIFA wanted the game to be shown in its entirety, potentially including some post-game scenes.

FIFA did not want a situation where the Matildas’ clash is turned off as Carlton and Melbourne run out on to the MCG and begin playing.

If the Matildas game runs to penalties, the game will still be running well into the first quarter of the AFL match. Picture: Mark Stewart

Carlton controls the screen as the home team, but the AFL and the MCG are key stakeholders in the call.

The Matildas will start at 5pm and are scheduled to finish about 7pm but FIFA’s new injury time rules could push that out.

Extra time could take it beyond 7.30pm, the same time the AFL game will start.

Penalties could last another 20 minutes or so, well into the first quarter.

The Matildas game will be shown in bars and on concourses at the MCG in any event. The MCG also wants to open its gates early to accommodate the Matildas game.

Originally published as AFL 2023: AFL locks in plan to show Matildas World Cup game on MCG screens