Hopes of a 2020 MPNFL season remain as crowds allowed
MPNFL clubs have received encouraging news as a decision on the 2020 season looms.
Local Footy
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Crowds have been given the green light to attend games in a major boost to the MPNFL’s hopes of a 2020 season.
Return to play documents from AFL Victoria this morning said that no restrictions had been placed on the overall number of spectators at a venue — however, strict social distancing rules must be undertaken at all times.
The news will pacify a lot of local clubs who had worried about their ability to make match-day revenue in the absence of crowds.
It’s understood the majority of the MPNFL’s 22 clubs have “opted in’’ to play this season.
A meeting of MPNFL club presidents is scheduled for Saturday, at 9am.
The AFL South East’s chief operating officer Shaun Connell said this morning the protocols had “provided a light at the end of the tunnel in respect to senior footy’’.
“Our clubs will consider that over the next two days and we will discuss it as a collective on Saturday,’’ he said.
“Look, it’s in the hands of the clubs.
“Clubs will determine ultimately where the protocols sit into the ability of their club to be able to manage the protocols.
“We are not forcing the clubs to do anything other than consider the protocols and then assess that against their own situations.’’
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The MPNFL last week unveiled its plan to return to the field, with a July 25 start, but it was contingent on crowds of 500 being able to attend games.
More than 20 football leagues around Melbourne and Victoria have scrapped their seasons.