Scottish Football Association: The Scottish FA: Scotland :
POTENTIAL MATCH AGAINST ARGENTINA
Tuesday, 08 Jul 2008
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?”
You can have your say by emailing:
info@scottishfa.co.uk
