Coronavirus A-League: Newcastle Jets player tests positive; entire Perth Glory squad stood down
The PFA is threatening legal action against Perth Glory owner Tony Sage, who has stood down the club’s playing squad without pay. Meanwhile, the A-League’s first positive test to coronavirus is in ‘good health’.
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A Newcastle Jets player who has tested positive to coronavirus is in “good health”, according to the club.
The fallout from the pandemic has hit the A-League, with a member of the Wellington Phoenix’s football operations staff also having COVID-19.
The news comes as Professional Footballers Australia threatens legal action against Perth Glory owner Tony Sage, who has stood down the club’s playing squad without pay.
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Both the Jets and Football Federation Australia have issued statements confirming a Newcastle player has the virus.
It’s understood the Jets player is asymptomatic, and only discovered he had coronavirus when tested before attempting to board a plane this week.
“The player and his family are in good health, and currently in quarantine in accordance with NSW Health protocols,” the Jets’ statement said.
“The health and wellbeing of our players, officials, and the wider community remains our highest priority in this difficult time.
“As per advice from NSW Health, our playing squad are closely monitoring their health and will isolate themselves if they experience any symptoms.
“All players and staff beyond the player have been checked for their risks and will be overseen, and guided, by the team medical staff as they liaise directly with the Public Health Unit.
“Self-isolation has been commenced for those that require it.”
A FFA spokesman said: “The health and wellbeing of the players and officials continue to remain our highest priority in this difficult time and we are working with the league and club to ensure they receive the support they require.”
The Phoenix squad had been in self-isolation in Sydney preparing to complete season before flying home to New Zealand after Football Federation Australia suspended the 2019-20 campaign last Tuesday.
The Wellington Phoenix advise that a member of the club’s Football Operations staff has tested positive for COVID-19.
A Phoenix statement said: “The club is co-operating fully with all the relevant health authorities and is focussed on supporting staff, as well as ensuring that all Government protocols are being closely adhered to.
“As per Ministry of Health instructions, all players and staff who had direct contact with the staff member are being monitored for possible signs of infection - any person showing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 will immediately be tested.”
Before the A-League was suspended, the Jets played last Monday night against Melbourne City at McDonald Jones Stadium, and were also in action the previous Friday night against Brisbane Roar at Cbus Super Stadium.
A Roar spokesman said Brisbane players were being monitored daily by club doctors.
“The club has followed the instructions by the CMO (chief medical officer) of the FFA and Australian government health bodies,” the spokesman said.
“Our players and staff are fully aware of the protocols to follow. If a situation arose, the club would continue to follow the government and health bodies medical instructions.”
Meanwhile, in response to Glory owner Sage standing down his squad, Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) has served him a letter seeking the players’ immediate reinstatement.
If the Glory players aren’t reinstated, the PFA will take legal action against Sage, which could lead to him being fined more than $600,000 under the Fair Work Act.
“The players acknowledge that everybody in Australia is facing a collective challenge as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” PFA chief executive John Didulica said.
“In times like this, our community needs leadership and, from the perspective of football, a commitment to collaboratively rebuilding our sport.
“The PFA continues to call for a collective solution to address our game’s challenges, as has been the approach adopted by the AFL and sporting bodies around the world.”
“A fortnight ago, it was fine to relocate players to the east coast away from their families and expose them to a global pandemic. Now, when the opportunity arises, it is considered acceptable to stop paying them. These are not the traits of a sport that values its people.
“We are positioned to take the same course of action if any other A-League club owner elects to take this course of action in contravention of both the law and the sports broader needs at this time.”
FFA head of leagues Greg O’Rourke confirmed the Glory had stood down its playing group in response for the remaining period of the A-League’s suspension.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has meant that professional football clubs, like all Australian businesses, are facing unprecedented economic challenges,” O’Rourke said.
“Each A-League club is therefore working through the specific decisions that have to be made to best preserve its future.
“Until the 22nd of April, all clubs have returned their players to be with their families, and to train individually.
“If and when the season is able to resume all teams will be ready and able to compete.”