Football Federation Australia (FFA) has re-confirmed its intention to resume the 2019/20 A-League season as soon as possible, but the competition remains suspended for now.
The A-League competition had five rounds of the regular season remaining when it was placed on hiatus due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
The Western Sydney Wanderers were just one point out of the top six when the competition was suspended.
The FFA confirmed that it is in ongoing dialogue with government health authorities in regards to the best way to resume the competition.
Any recommencement would require an initial period of training and conditioning for club squads in order to ensure both the health and safety of players and the integrity of the competition.
FFA Chief Executive James Johnson said there was agreement between the FFA and the clubs that the season would be completed.
“Our goal is to deliver live, professional football and complete the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season, and we have set a number of criteria that will define when this is going to be possible,” he said.
“Our priority remains the health and safety of all players and staff and we will need to be satisfied that appropriate measures are in place to ensure this. Secondly, we will need to meet all government restrictions in place at the time, including state/territory border controls. Finally, any decision to resume will be made in full alignment with Government and its medical advisors.
“We will resume play as soon as possible, and the first stage would see the players return to training. We would then schedule matches. It is difficult to see that process beginning before the end of May, but we will work with all stakeholders to achieve the earliest possible resumption.
“Football takes its responsibilities as a good corporate citizen very seriously, and remains committed to working in partnership with the Government to slow the spread of COVID-19. At the same time, we want to play our part in supporting the social and mental wellbeing of the Australian football family and all sports-loving Australians.
“Ultimately, the Coronavirus will have the final say on when we can get the season started again, and completed.
“We want to thank the clubs and players who have been understanding of the current circumstances and worked collaboratively with us in relation to this matter throughout this period. I would also like to acknowledge our supporters, commercial partners and football community who continue to remain engaged and connected during this difficult time, and we thank them for their continued support.”
The National Rugby League has announced its intention to resume the 2020 season on May 28.
