A-League 2020: FFA clears Scott McDonald of breaching COVID protocols while working for Optus Sport

Brisbane Roar striker Scott McDonald is free to complete the A-League season after the FFA rules his commentary role with Optus Sport didn’t breach its COVID-19 protocols.

Roar players congratulate teammate Scott McDonald after his goal against the Melbourne Victory last month. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Brisbane Roar striker Scott McDonald has been cleared of a potential breach of the A-League’s COVID-19 protocols.

Questions were raised after McDonald left the Roar’s current Hunter Valley base twice by car in the past seven days for UEFA Champions League commentary duties in Sydney with Optus Sport.

But a Football Federation Australia investigation found that McDonald followed the required protocols.

“Football Federation Australia can confirm that Scott McDonald has been medically approved to re-join the Brisbane Roar FC playing squad from today following investigations over the past 24 hours between FFA, the Club and Optus Sport,” FFA said in a statement on Friday night.

“In reaching this decision, medical personnel considered the hygiene and social distancing protocols followed by the club, player, private transport operator and Optus Sport.

“McDonald has also returned a negative result for a COVID-19 PCR swab test that he undertook (on Thursday).”

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Scott McDonald has been in good form for Brisbane Roar. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Roar CEO David Pourre told News Corp Australia that McDonald and the entire club had “always and continued to follow the medical protocols under the ‘Return To Training and Competition Matches’ policies in a COVID environment framework”.

“This has been confirmed and supported by the FFA,” Pourre said.

“Scott is and continues to be an outstanding leader in our club and we’re all focused on the elimination final in the coming days”.

McDonald trained with the Roar squad on Friday.

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