Brazil–Argentina youth club match scrapped at national stadium

The Ministry of Youth and Sports has cancelled the under-20 club match between Brazil and Argentina scheduled under the Latin Bangla Super Cup, citing assault on journalists, violation of conditions, and overall poor management by organisers. Brazilian club São Bernardo and Argentine club Atlético Charlone were scheduled to play at the national stadium on Thursday at 7pm.

In an official letter issued today, stadium allocation has been cancelled and the match postponed, according to Ruhul Amin, assistant director at the sports ministry.

The ministry stated that conditional allocation of the stadium was granted for matches on December 5, 8 and 11. The organisers were required to submit full ticket sales accounts before each match and deposit 50 percent of ticket revenue to National Sports Council. The ministry said these conditions were violated, and stadium cleanliness after matches was also not ensured. Full financial accounts of sponsorship and broadcast rights were also not provided, nor was the required 50 percent deposited beforehand.

Meanwhile, a sports journalist was assaulted by private security staff inside the stadium on Monday night.

Calling the incident regrettable, the ministry said match management had deteriorated to such an extent that “unruly members of the organising team physically assaulted several journalists on December 8 which is extremely unfortunate.” Therefore, the December 11 fixture has been kept on hold, and organisers have been asked to submit complete revenue accounts, sponsorship and broadcast details, and deposit 50 percent of relevant earnings by December 9 at 4pm.

The participation of legendary footballers Cafu and Claudio Caniggia, earlier announced by the organiser AFB Boxing Promotion, has now also become uncertain.