The A-League has become the latest sporting code to announce that matches for the foreseeable future will be played behind closed doors, while the W-League grand final this weekend will also be played in an empty stadium.
The decision comes as the ongoing coronavirus crisis continues to impact world sport, with the Australian government enforcing mandatory 14-day self-isolation periods for people arriving in the country and banning public gatherings of 500 people or more.
“The decision to play the remainder of the A-League 2019-20 season and the W-League 2020 grand final behind closed doors was made in consultation with the clubs and in accordance with the latest Federal Government advice,” Football Federation Australia CEO James Johnson said in a statement.
“The health and safety of all members of the football community, including players, coaches, referees, volunteers, administrators and fans continues to be of paramount importance. We will continue to work with the Government and seek advice as the situation changes.”
With six rounds of the A-League still to go, the FFA are looking into finishing the regular season on a shortened timeline, with frequent three-day turnarounds to have the remaining 30 games played in the next three or four weeks.
The Federal Government’s recent travel advice will make that tricky for Melbourne Victory and Wellington Phoenix. Both clubs faced off in New Zealand this past weekend, and as such everyone who made the trip will have to self-isolate for two weeks upon arriving back in Australia. Their matches for the next two weeks will be postponed.
The Phoenix, set to depart New Zealand tomorrow, will spend the remainder of the season in Australia. They’re likely to be based in Sydney, with the FFA still working through venue and hotel availability for the team.
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
Griffo, you're assuming we have a valid testing regime in place when you identify clubs and areas. I doubt we do.
Nick Symonds
Guest
Les Murray once made that suggestion as an alternative to penalty shootouts.
TK
Guest
They could just move down the scale as players fall over. 11 v 11 to start down to 5 a side by the time the finals arrive.
Chopper
Guest
The correct decision for football players to ply their trade just like the rest of society has to. Hopefully by being able to broadcast the games we can increase the viewers both here and overseas especially with Europe and USA suspending their own competitions. There may be income to be earned from overseas broadcasts.
Jack George
Roar Guru
Wellington is moving to Sydney as well...
Griffo
Roar Guru
Early days...
Fadida
Roar Rookie
We haven't even started Griffo....
Waz
Roar Rookie
one player might get tested positive, and they might not. I would imagine compared to the general population these players are taking significantly higher precautions By the weekend after next they could have 15 of the remaining 30 games complete, and within two weeks of that all remaining games done. That’s all they’re hoping for -
Griffo
Roar Guru
Only second confirmed case in the Hunter but with NSW with the most cases and QLD getting there, it seems two Sydney teams, Brisbane and possibly Victorian teams leading candidates for someone to get COVID-19. Once that happens almost impossible to keep postponing matches for months just to complete the season. If not this week then next this will hit football. The worse is ahead of us.
Griffo
Roar Guru
Near the end of the season makes some sense to see if it can be finalised but it'll take just one player or staff member to become COVID-19 positive and that whole team will have to self isolate - the season would have to be scrapped at that point. While I can't at this stage see the season finishing, even if compressed, I think it is highly possible the Finals Series will be canned and Sydney and the top places will determine 'Premiers' and ACL places. A nice precursor of 'first past the post' even if not intentional ;-)
Roberto Bettega
Roar Rookie
Yep, on the latter point, talk about misreading the situation.
Fadida
Roar Rookie
And that will be by the end of the week
Redondo
Roar Rookie
This will all come unstuck as soon as one player tests positive.
Waz
Roar Rookie
James Johnson did really well. Meanwhile, NRL are getting smashed on social media for asking for a government bailout
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
Makes sense to get on with the season and finish it as soon as we can.
jamesb
Roar Guru
Play it at local NPL grounds. Allow 500 people to attend, and it may work a treat.
Micko
Roar Rookie
They're probably contracted to play in those stadiums, but fair point. If they can save money by playing at training grounds then why not?
Franko
Guest
It's the right call, should have happened this weekend just gone. Do clubs need to continue playing in large stadia? May be cost effective to play at local/training grounds if the pitches are up to it.