A-League season still hangs in balance

Football Federation Australia has put a decision on whether to keep playing the A-League on ice for 24 hours.

Sydney FC’s Alex Baumjohann takes a corner during the Round 24 A-League match against Western Sydney Wanderers at Bankwest Stadium on Saturday. Picture: Getty Images

Football Federation Australia has put a decision on whether to keep playing the A-League on ice for 24 hours, after the AFL suspended its season.

FFA says it will “continue to assess” the rapidly changing landscape and provide a fresh update on Monday.

With the national cabinet meeting late on Sunday, and various states moving to a state of lockdown within 48 hours, it seems likely the national football codes will have to stop playing.

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The A-League had played three games behind closed doors on Friday and Saturday as it put together a truncated fixture list to try to complete the season.

Two more A-League games are due to be played on Monday, pending any change of direction over the suitability of football continuing to play.

Players have been under effective quarantine in their own homes and at training grounds but interstate travel is inevitable, raising questions over whether the movement can be justified in an escalating crisis.

“The health and wellbeing of the players continues to remain our top priority and we will not be afraid to make decisions to ensure this, ” said FFA chief executive James Johnson.

“We are continuously assessing our position based on the latest directives and advice from the government and chief medical officer.

“We are working closely with the league and clubs which have implemented additional measures to ensure players remain healthy.”

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH