A ticket system failure has resulted in the AFL postponing sales for games at the MCG.

The AFL says Ticketek’s system malfunction on Friday morning affected AFL members, who had first dip at buying tickets ahead of a scheduled midday release to the public.

The MCG hosts three fixtures in the AFL’s first round, including the season-opener between Richmond and Carlton on Thursday March 24 and the Easter Monday game between Hawthorn and Geelong.

The AFL said in a statement it was as yet unknown when the public ticket sales would be available, with sales to members postponed until next Friday.