Argentina ???

[Broon]

The following message from Rob Shorthouse - Head of Communications at The SFA was received by WESTA earlier today


.
In recent weeks, the Scottish FA has been having discussions with
agents representing the Argentinean FA regarding an International
Challenge Match between the two countries that is proposed for 19
November this year.

Commenting on the discussions, Scottish FA Chief Executive Gordon Smith
said:

'Qualifying for the World Cup Finals is our number one priority. We
have shown over the past few years that we have made major improvements
in our game and that we are ready to take the next step and play
alongside the world's best in a major championships.

'However, if we want to keep on improving, we have to continually test
ourselves against top class opposition. And, if we want to do more than
qualify for a World Cup Finals, but also make our mark at them, we have
to play against different styles of teams from around the world, not
just from Europe.

'We want to play teams of the quality of Argentina and Brazil, but the
match fees and costs for these teams is not cheap. In fact, the match
fees and expenses involved in bringing any top class team to Hampden can
be substantial.

'We will always strive to keep ticket prices down, but if we want to
play the very best, then there will be an impact on ticket prices. If we
were to play Argentina later this year - then in order to cover all the
costs involved, the ticket prices would be higher than for a normal
friendly match - indeed, there is every likelihood that the prices would
be more than for our competitive matches.

'Today we are starting a debate. We want the fans and the media to talk
about this issue frankly and openly. The question is a simple one. Are
we prepared to pay more so that Scotland can play against the world's
best?’"


BACKGROUND:

1. The top price for a competitive Scotland match is around the £35
mark.

2. The top price for the upcoming friendly against Northern Ireland
is £20 - with most expensive ticket for the recent match against Croatia
being £25.

3. It is the norm in International Football that a match fee is
paid to an Association or their rights holders for their participation
in a friendly match. In addition to paying this fee to bring a team to
play at Hampden, the Scottish FA has to pay the stewarding and staff
costs for a match.

4. Without breaking the confidential nature of the discussions
regarding a potential match against Argentina, it would be fair to say
that the match fee for Argentina is far in excess of anything we have
paid in recent years.

5. Scotland supporters can submit their views on this subject
through the Scottish FA website - or by emailing [e-mail]



Rob Shorthouse
Head of Communications
The Scottish Football Association

[Broon]

The following message was issued by Rob Shorthouse at the SFA following a period of consultation with "The Fans"

WESTA applaud the SFA's approach of engaging with the fans in such matters, this is refreshing and helps foster a spirit of togetherness as we embark on the long road to South Africa (he types hopefully)

_____________________


Scotland will not be pursuing the friendly match against Argentina that was proposed for later this year, the Scottish FA today confirmed.

The decision was taken following an innovative and wide ranging consultation with Scotland fans on the issue. While there was an overwhelming desire among supporters to play the world’s best teams, it was clear that there were a number of issues around the timing and cost of the game.

Speaking about the decision, Scottish FA Chief Executive Gordon Smith said:

"Since we started the debate on the proposed Argentina game last week we have been inundated with calls, letters and emails from Scotland fans. Hundreds of people have taken the time to get in touch with us and give us their views and I thank them for doing so.

"This has been a fascinating debate about an important issue. The vast majority of people who got in touch with us were clear that they want Scotland to continue to improve and to regularly qualify for World Cups and European Championships. They understood that we do this by playing against better players and against different styles of teams.

"However, despite the support for the idea of playing Argentina, most of the people who spoke to us also told us that there were issues around paying a premium price for a midweek match at that time of year. This is why we have decided to cease negotiations with the agents who represent Argentina and are now involved in discussions with other countries about playing at Hampden in November.

"I firmly believe that consulting with the people who would be paying their hard earned money to watch this match was the right thing to do on this occasion. The range of views that we have received have all had one common thread – everyone wants to do what is best for Scotland.

"Once again, I would like to thank everyone who took the time to get in touch with us. I will always take decisions which I believe are good for Scottish football. However, when I think it is the right thing to do I will canvass opinions and speak to our supporters. Doing so is healthy for our game."