Three A-League Men’s clubs – Western United, Macarthur FC and Central Coast – are enduring COVID-19 outbreaks and cannot complete their immediate fixtures.
COVID-19 and border restrictions have cut the upcoming A-League Men’s round in half, with just three matches tentatively scheduled across Sydney and Melbourne.
Western United, Macarthur FC and Central Coast are all enduring outbreaks among their squad and cannot fulfil this weekend’s fixtures.
Additionally, the Newcastle Jets women’s side cannot summon enough fit players this weekend due to the virus, producing the round’s only A-League Women’s postponement.
The past fortnight has been plagued with postponements but league chiefs believe three men’s fixtures can be safely played this weekend, headlined by the clash between leaders Melbourne Victory and rivals Adelaide United.
Second-bottom Wellington Phoenix will play the Jets at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium earlier on Saturday, before Melbourne City host Western Sydney on Sunday.
“Our primary concern is for the health, wellbeing and safety of all players, staff and their families,” a league statement read.
“We will continue to work with all clubs to confirm a new schedule for all postponed matches as soon as possible.”
City boss Patrick Kisnorbo revealed that all but five of his players had contracted COVID-19 during the Christmas period, though all had recovered except for two young players.
Western Sydney’s Saturday match against Perth has been postponed as the Glory manage Western Australia’s hardline border rules, freeing up the Wanderers to play City in a rearranged match.
Perth will head to NSW after their isolation period concludes and be able to resume their campaign on January 15.
A-LEAGUE MEN FIXTURE UPDATE
Saturday, January 8
Wellington Phoenix v Newcastle Jets – Netstrata Jubilee Stadium – 5:05pm
Melbourne Victory v Adelaide United – AAMI Park – 7:45pm
Sunday, January 9
Melbourne City v Western Sydney – AAMI Park – 6:45pm
Postponed: Western United v Sydney FC, Western Sydney v Perth Glory, Brisbane Roar v Central Coast, Melbourne City v Macarthur FC
A-LEAGUE WOMEN FIXTURE UPDATE
Saturday, January 8
Canberra United v Adelaide United – Viking Park – 5:05pm
Sydney FC v Perth Glory – Netstrata Jubilee Stadium – 7:45pm
Sunday, January 9
Brisbane Roar v Western Sydney – Moreton Daily Stadium – 3:05pm
Melbourne City v Wellington Phoenix – AAMI Park – 4:05pm
Postponed: Newcastle Jets v Melbourne Victory
* All kickoff times local
Waz
Roar Rookie
It seems like the strategy is to accept the players will get infected building up “herd immunity”, this will cause short term disruption but once clear a 22 Round season can be completed pretty much to the dates already planned. Supporters are again short-changed with a 15% reduction in home fixtures and a double whammy for for paid-up members.
Redcap
Roar Guru
Absolutely, but I'm not sure the election will solve much, if anything. It's hard to tell the difference between election and non-election years. Either way, there's lots of hot air and nothing gets done.
Nathan Cirson
Roar Pro
Hopefully things settle soon or a bold call to go into a hub or series of hubs is made. If this is what’s happening with 12 A-league men’s teams and 10 A-league women’s teams, throw in 8 BBL teams, I can only imagine what happens when the 18 AFL and 16 NRL teams start to play. It’s a real shame for the A-league teams though, just need to play as many games as often as they can.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Oh, and can we just bring forward the next fed election and get it over and done with. Months of political mumbo jumbo is gonna take us all to the brink of insanity.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Not only have games been postponed, but the uncertainty that has been created has given me little enthusiasm ATM. Just toss a coin now to determine silverware and get ready for the next season.