Bosses across Sydney have been urged to let their employees watch the Socceroos’ final FIFA World Cup group game at work to promote national unity and “show support for the green and gold”.
After beating Türkiye and losing to the US, the Socceroos’ last group stage game against Paraguay on Friday will be crucial for the national team’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage of this year’s tournament.
However, for millions of Socceroos fans around the country, tomorrow’s kick off at 12pm AEST will fall during the middle of the workday.
For millions of Socceroos fans around the country, Friday’s kick off at 12pm AEST will fall during the middle of the workday. Picture: Eleni Tzanos
Business Sydney executive director Paul Nicolaou has called for businesses to embrace the sporting event and consider options like hosting lunchtime screenings.
“Major sporting events have a unique ability to unite workplaces and communities, and the message will get through loud and clear to the Socceroos that we are all backing them,” Mr Nicolaou said in a statement on Thursday.
“Few things bring Australians together like the Socceroos competing on the world stage and tomorrow is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to share in that excitement and to give the hospitality sector a much-needed boost in the process.
“We encourage employers to consider hosting lunchtime screenings, team gatherings or flexible arrangements that allow staff to enjoy this important national moment together.”
Mr Nicolaou also encouraged businesses to support the city’s hospitality sector, saying venues like pubs and cafes would be “helping create a fantastic atmosphere for supporters”.
“Major sporting events are good for workplace culture, good for team engagement and good for local businesses. This is a chance for Sydney to come together and show its support for the green and gold,” he said.
Sydney City Police Area Commander Superintendent Paul Dunstan called for businesses across Sydney to “get behind” the national men’s soccer side.
“The Socceroos represent the determination, resilience and fighting spirit that Australians admire, and every supporter plays a role in creating that sense of belief,” Superintendent Dunstan said.
“I encourage workplaces, businesses and communities across Sydney to get behind the team this Friday, wear your colours with pride and show the world what Australian support looks like.”
Chef and restaurateur Luke Mangan said Friday’s game was an opportunity for the Harbour City to “showcase the energy, passion and community spirit that make our city so special”.
“The Socceroos have given Australians plenty to be proud of and I encourage Sydneysiders and visitors alike to get out this Friday, wear their colours with pride and support the team,” Mr Mangan said.
“It’s a great opportunity to come together and celebrate our national side, while also supporting local venues across the city.”
It comes after Socceroo Jason Geria was asked if he had a message for Australian employers and school principals about supporting those who want to catch the game.
“Let them watch it,” the defender told reporters earlier this week.
“If they could wheel some TVs into classrooms … I think they’ve all got iPads anyway, so just chuck it on the iPad.
“Bosses, if you can let your employees watch … we love the support that we’ve seen so far at the fans sites around Australia and the clips of people in the living rooms or with their friends and family, wherever, at the pubs … it’s been amazing.
“So, 12pm on a Friday, I mean, it doesn’t get much better than that I think leading into the weekend.”
Fan zones will be set up at Darling Harbour’s Tumbalong Park and Sydney Fish Market, with the events set to kick off at 10.30am and 11.30am respectively.