A-League women's: Western Sydney Wanderers and Canberra United match postponed due to field unavailability

An A-League veteran has sensationally called for forfeits for clubs unable to find suitable grounds after a farcical fixture postponement this weekend.

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA – NOVEMBER 04: Michelle Heyman of Canberra United in action during the A-League Women round three match between Canberra United and Perth Glory at McKellar Park, on November 04, 2023, in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

Canberra United stalwart Michelle Heyman says clubs that can’t find a field should have to forfeit.

A-League organisers have been forced to postpone an important fixture because a ground wasn’t unavailable.

Australian Professional Leagues confirmed on Wednesday, just three days before the game, that the clash in round 5 between Canberra United and Western Sydney Wanderers had been postponed.

It was scheduled to be played at rugby league field Carrington Park in Bathurst.

The Wanderers announced this year the round would be played in the regional town after they struck a deal with the Bathurst Regional Council, but the field is now not fit for use.

Michelle Heyman is a veteran of both the A-League and for the Matildas. Picture: Getty

“The fixture which was set for Saturday, November 18, has been postponed following unseasonably cool conditions that have had an impact on the pitch’s preparation in the run-up to the round 5 match,” a statement said.

“Western Sydney have assessed various venues that have hosted Liberty A-League games previously and they are not available this weekend due to scheduled turf renovation periods.

“The APL, Western Sydney Wanderers and Canberra United continue conversations to align on an updated date and location for this fixture that suits all parties.”

The statement was published on the club’s website but not shared on its social media channels.

The Wanderers women’s team usually play home games at Wanderers Football Park and the men play at CommBank Stadium.

An APL spokesman said Wanderers Park is not available this weekend due to maintenance.

“There is scheduled turf renovation happening at Wanderers Park which was planned before the season as originally the team was playing in Bathurst, and then away from home, leading into the December FIFA international window.”

There is no men’s game on this weekend because of the international break and CommBank Stadium’s website does not have any events listed for this weekend.

Heyman, in her 12th season with Canberra, said it was a “frustrating” situation.

It has been compounded by the fact that Canberra United didn’t play last weekend because Sydney FC was overseas for the AFC Women’s Club Championships.

The Wanderers were unable to find a suitable ground for this week’s fixture. Picture: Getty

“We can’t have two weeks off,” Heyman said.

“I think if they can’t find a field they should be forfeiting or something has to happen. It’s not our fault they can’t find a field.

“We are meant to be professional now and I get super frustrated because we have had months to plan and find these fields.”

Heyman questioned how league organisers could rejig the draw and find enough fields for the Unite Round in January in Sydney but not find fields for ordinary round games.
“If they can swap and change things around that easy, why can’t they figure it out,” Heyman said.

“These are the small things that don’t make the league professional.”

It isn’t just players who are frustrated.

A fan on social media pointed out the lack of communication over the decision.

“How ridiculous is it that I have a Western Sydney Wanderers FC women membership and this is how I’m finding this out,” the fan wrote.

“No info on the website and tickets are still there with no location shown. Seriously regretting joining.”

It is not the first time the league has had this issue.

A match between Sydney FC and Perth Glory was postponed last season due to field unavailability.

There has been no word on when the match will be rescheduled.

Canberra’s postponed fixture with Sydney FC is also yet to be rescheduled.

Originally published as A-League women's: Western Sydney Wanderers and Canberra United match postponed due to field unavailability