Dear FIFA

As a proud Australian and avid football supporter I would once again like to apologise for the bringing the game and FIFA brand into disrepute.  I have spoken to the powers that be, and they have agreed to destroy all copies of the cartoon Kangaroo.  Yes it was a desperate attempt to steal the 2022 World Cup, but going up against the oil of Qatar was like Manchester City playing Kettering Town.

What is this all about you ask? Once again Football in Australia has been handed some mistimed bad news from FIFA.  The upcoming World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia has been pushed back 2 hours to a 9:30pm kickoff.  I understand the thinking behind the schedule change, it’s the last round robin game of Round 3 and a simultaneous kick off is required.  Saudi Arabia, Oman and Thailand are all fighting to keep their 2014 World Cup dreams alive.  Australia is safely through, and this is merely a practice match for Holger Osieck’s team.

My problem with FIFA is why they didn’t tell all hosting nations about the kick off time until recently.  The FFA has marketed the clash as a family friendly fixture at the premiere boutique football venue in the Country.  Now many young Socceroo fans will miss out on an opportunity to see their heroes, and the game could potentially be played in front of a Melbourne Heart sized crowd.  Football in Melbourne is becoming trendy again, kick started by the derbies played in the past two seasons.  This is once a setback to Australia’s sporting capital, and will no doubt present the anti football establishment another opportunity to sink the boots in.

If the FFA knew of FIFA’s scheduling move the match would have been played in the much ignored Perth market.  This would have given the Western Australian public a much needed glimpse of the Socceroos, and Melbourne wouldn’t have to host this farcical time slot.  Perth Glory is just starting to fire, and the match would have given them a chance to drum up some extra support just before their anticipated finals campaign.

If I know Melbournians, they will turn out to support their National team; FIFA’s decision won’t affect my attendance (I don’t have children).  The ones who miss out are the family’s, and those who live in Country areas.  A 9:30pm kickoff is not only bad for the game, but will detract from a fun family atmosphere those at the A-League have been striving so hard to build.