Calls are intensifying for Australian businesses and schools to grant employees and students time off to watch the Socceroos' critical World Cup match against Paraguay on Friday at 12 p.m. AEST. Socceroos defender Jason Geria has voiced support for allowing fans to watch the pivotal game, suggesting teachers could facilitate viewing in classrooms or via personal devices.
"Let them watch!" Geria stated, emphasizing the significance of the match for the team's progression to the knockout stages. He noted that a midday Friday kickoff, leading into the weekend, presents an ideal opportunity for widespread viewership. "So if they could let their employees or let their students watch, that would be amazing," he added.
Australia's assistant coach Paul Okon also backed the sentiment, expressing an expectation that the Prime Minister might declare a day off to allow for easy viewing. "We were expecting that our Prime Minister, Mr Albanese, would give everyone a day off so people didn't need to scramble to find a TV set and watch it," Okon said.
A survey by the World Cup Watchers' Rights Association indicated that 53 percent of Australian employers plan to make arrangements for their staff to watch the game. Meanwhile, a petition advocating for a public holiday should the Socceroos qualify for the knockout stages has garnered over 7,000 signatures, framing the potential celebration as a nationwide unifier.
However, not all figures in Australian sport support the idea of employees taking time off. Former Socceroos captain Paul Wade has publicly opposed the move, stating, "Honestly, if I am a business owner, which I am, I don't want my staff nicking off to watch a game of football. No way in the world should you have a day off." The Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns, has also declined to declare a public holiday for the match.
The discussions around work flexibility come amid concerns that some fans might take unofficial absences from work to watch the game. The Socceroos are aiming to secure their place in the World Cup knockout stages with a victory against Paraguay.