A-League’s Unite Round dealt major blow with entire women’s fixture to be moved

The A-League has been dealt a major double blow just days out from Unite Round, with strike action across public transport adding to the forced move of fixtures to a new stadium.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 16: A general view during the round three A-League Women's match between Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers at Leichhardt Oval on November 16, 202, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

The A-League has been dealt a major double blow just days out from the second Unite Round.

Just as organisers were forced to move every women’s fixture from Leichhardt Oval due to poor pitch conditions, strike action on public transport has presented a new issue.

All games will be moved to Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, but the strike action, announced Tuesday, presents a new headache with the cancellation of all trains across the weekend.

This weekend will be the second instalment of the round in which all men’s and women’s teams play in Sydney over one weekend.

But the patchy turf at Leichhardt, which proved problematic at the weekend, hasn’t passed the test for Unite Round.

The patchy pitch at Leichhardt Oval has proved problematic. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

A-League's Commissioner Nick Garcia said players safety would not be compromised.

“It is imperative that we have the best possible playing surface to ensure quality football, player safety and the most entertaining product for our fans,” Garcia said

“Our team has been monitoring the pitch condition at Leichhardt Oval over the last month - and regrettably we have had to make the decision in the best interest of all stakeholders.

“Our product is important - this is the pinnacle round of professional women’s football - and we think this decision will ensure the best possible event for our players, officials and fans.”

Garcia said the back up stadium was still a world-class facility, though his announcement of shuttle services came just hours before strike action was announced.

“It has recently hosted AFC Champions League 2 fixtures and has great facilities for players, officials, broadcasters and fans,” he said.

That Leichhardt Oval pitch is appalling. There are going to be 6 dub matches next weekend for Unite Rd and that’s not good enough. Someone will wind up with a season ending injury @aleaguewomenpic.twitter.com/fj4cyeUU1J

— Little Corner of Yellow - Te Kāhu o ngā hau e whā (@cornerofyellow) November 16, 2024

“While the late change is not ideal, we can confirm that the planned Fan Zone, Girls Unite Gala Days and shuttle services between Allianz Stadium will proceed as planned at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium - and we trust it will create the best possible match day experience and be a fantastic setting for a memorable Unite Round.”

Due to the change entry to all six ALW Unite Round matches will be free. Those with tickets will be refunded.

“We understand that the late change may cause some inconvenience for fans, and as such we are delighted to welcome all football fans to watch all six Ninja A-League Women matches for free this weekend. We are excited to see as many fans as possible enjoying football from the hill at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium,” Garcia said.

In the wake of Leichhardt Oval being deemed unsafe for Unite Round Sydney FC CEO Mark Aubrey said the club was investigating moving its remaining home matches to another location.

Sydney FC is investigating moving its remaining home games. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

“As much as we enjoy the atmosphere we create when we play at Leichhardt Oval and we’d like to create a hub at the ground for our women’s team, the playing surface is currently unacceptable for professional football, particularly considering we are three rounds into the new season,” Aubrey said.

“Unless there is major improvement we will be forced to make alternative arrangements and if things go elsewhere who knows if we will return.”

It is a month until the Sky Blues are due to play at Leichhardt Oval next.

They aren’t the only women’s team with field issues. Newcastle Jets matches have been moved to Maitland as council work on No.2 Sportsground is not yet completed.

The strike action presents a new issue.

Hours after Garcia confirmed shuttle services at Allianz Stadium, it is now unclear if the train cancellations would impact these services.

The shutdown will also impact those travelling from outside Metro, with intercity trains banned across the weekend.

The APL did not comment on Tuesday night.

Originally published as A-League’s Unite Round dealt major blow with entire women’s fixture to be moved