Argentina is no longer prepared to travel, despite Brazil saying they were all good to go. Source: Shutterstock.
Just weeks after the match was announced, the two superstar clubs will no longer be coming to the MCG despite 60,000 tickets already sold.
Fans were expected to see football idols Lionel Messi and Neymar, among many others on June 11. The last time the two teams were in Australia was 2015 which saw the MCG packed with 95,000 enthusiastic supporters.
Organisers of the match gave reason to the disappointment that is no doubt being felt by Australian football fans.
“Regrettably, event organisers have been informed by Pitch, the Superclasico June 11, 2022, match agent, 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.”
Brazilian team officials also commented on the decision, saying the were ready to make the trip.
“We were prepared and with all the logistics ready for this game because we understood that we had to fulfil the contract.”
All tickets will be fully refunded according to organisers however that hasn’t stopped Victorian Sports Minister Martin Pakula from speaking a few frustrated words.
Victorian Sports Minister Martin Pakula says the government is “pretty pissed off” Argentina has reneged on its contract to play Brazil in a friendly at the MCG in June.
— Callum Godde (@calgodde) May 11, 2022
“I think they owe Australian football fans an explanation.” pic.twitter.com/3fkwUINDx1
He had previously said that “it’s not often that you get to see football of that quality in Australia” and noted that the game was a “major win for Victoria”.
Brazil and Argentina were supposed to play a match last year, however due to COVID-19 and claims that Argentina were breaching restrictions, the game was postponed. FIFA announced that they want the game to be played in September but both South American sides have argued the ruling, citing that they are already top qualifiers of their World Cup groups.
The match has not been confirmed. The World Cup is set to be hosted in Qatar, starting November.
Fans have shared their thoughts about the MCG cancellation online.
So I believe it would defiantly be illegal to sell tickets to an unconfirmed game (Brazil vs Argentina) many fans have now bought match tickets, flights and accomodation. So who is responsible? @MCG @FootballAUS @Ticketek_AU how will this be put right?
— Jacob ??⚽️?⚫️ (@Jacob01Aus) May 11, 2022
A month out from Argentina v Brazil at the MCG this is a bit odd to say the least. pic.twitter.com/5tJACkfMiq
— Nick Stoll (@NickStoll) May 10, 2022
