The A-League will play the remaining 27 matches of its regular season over just 28 days in what promises to be a feast for football fans.
A revised draw will be released this week.
The 2019/20 season, which was abruptly halted due to the Coronavirus pandemic in March, will now conclude by the end of August.
While a final deal has not been reached with broadcasters, the A-League will push ahead with its return after an agreement was reached between Football Federation Australia (FFA), its clubs and Professional Footballers Australia (PFA).
“I’d like to thank the players and clubs for their commitment to re-starting the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season. These are extremely challenging times and I’d like to acknowledge the leadership shown by all to ensure our loyal supporters across Australia will be able to see their favourite teams back in action again soon,” said FFA boss James Johnson.
“When the A-League was suspended on 24 March, our players had been paid for the full 10 months of the season equating to 83 per cent of their contracted salaries. Our players have shown great solidarity and have agreed to take a reduction in pay for the additional three months of the season to ensure that it can be completed.”
FFA Head of Leagues Greg O’Rourke said all players would be tested for COVID-19 before clubs returned to training this week.
“We will announce details of the revised draw for the remaining 27 matches of the regular season shortly, which will be contested over a period of 28 days, plus the five Final Series matches,” he said.
“We look forward to continuing discussions with our broadcast partners regarding broadcast details of all matches.”
It is likely crowds will be able to attend A-League matches, under the guidelines confirmed by the State Government over the weekend.
Troy Dodds is the Weekender’s Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.
