Martin Pakula slams Argentina’s cancellation of MCG game as ‘poor form’
Martin Pakula has criticised Argentina after it pulled out of a planned soccer match with Brazil at the MCG, saying the Victorian government is “pissed off”.
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Sport Minister Martin Pakula says the Victorian government is “pissed off” after the Argentinian Football Association pulled out of a planned soccer match with Brazil at the MCG next month.
While Brazil were keen to make the trip down under, Argentina pulled out of the June 11 match, despite about 60,000 tickets already being sold for the game.
Mr Pakula on Thursday said the Argentinian football association had “reneged on its contractual agreement and pulled out without any proper explanation”.
“We’re pretty disappointed and I think, fair to say, pretty pissed off,” he said.
“I know Brazil is very upset.
“I don’t know what’s going on in football-geo politics but for the Argentinians to respond to whatever unhappiness they’ve got with FIFA by just reneging on an agreement … I just think is really poor form.”
About 60,000 fans had bought a ticket for the game, which was secured by the state government in a bid to build back Melbourne’s status as the home for sport.
“It’s a game that would have been extremely popular here in Melbourne,” Mr Pakula added.
“When the promoter has a signed contract, when they have a letter of confirmation … I think they’re entitled to rely on that.
The event promoter has confirmed all fans will be offered a full refund, regardless of if a new match is scheduled.
Brazil still looking for a new opponent for the match.
Asked if Argentina would be welcomed back to Melbourne in the future, Mr Pakula said: “The future is a long time.
“… you’d have to be pretty wary dealing with a football association that just breaks a contract and decides they don’t want to come,” he added.
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Originally published as Martin Pakula slams Argentina’s cancellation of MCG game as ‘poor form’
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