Australia threatened to withdraw from the 1960 World Cup in England after the International Board decided the tournament would be televised.

The Australians were concerned live telecasts would eat into gate receipts, which was the case when the Kangaroos toured Britain the previous year.

But International Board secretary, Bill Fallowfield, an Englishman, said the tournament would not be a financial success without television fees.

Sydney club football was growing to such an extent, Australian Board chairman, Jersey Flegg made it clear he did not believe the game needed international football.

“We can draw our own crowds”, Flegg said. “We have plenty of players and referees.”