Argentina pulls the plug on Brazil soccer match as Martin Pakula puts the boot in

Victorian Tourism Minister Martin Pakula is ‘pissed off’ after the Argentinians suddenly pulled the plug on the MCG match with Brazil.

Victorian Tourism Minister Martin Pakula. Picture: Getty Images

Victorian Tourism Minister Martin Pakula has attacked the ­Argentinian Football Association for pulling out of a match with Brazil in Melbourne next month which was expected to attract tens of thousands of fans and ­deliver a major boost to the ­economy.

The Superclasico clash ­ was to take place at the MCG on June 11, but the game was called off on Wednesday night by the Argentinians.

Mr Pakula on Thursday said the state government was “pretty pissed off” that the game was cancelled “without any proper explanation” just a month after securing the match.

“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,” he said. “We’re pretty disappointed. I think they owe Australian football fans an ­explanation.”

About 60,000 tickets had been sold, with organisers promising full refunds.

In a statement released late on Wednesday night, event organisers TEG Sport and Left Field Live said they were working with stakeholders to review all options, with Brazil still keen to make the trip. “Regrettably, this evening event organisers have been ­informed … that contrary to their prior agreement and commitment to do so, Argentina are no longer prepared to travel to Australia for the match against Brazil,” it stated.

The Victorian government announced in April the Superclasico would return to Melbourne in the lead up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup – five years after the two teams last went head-to-head at the MCG and drew in more than 95,000 fans.