Coronavirus: A-League to play on, fans banned, Wellington Phoenix to stay in Australia

A-League and W-League games will be played in empty stadiums, while Wellington players will be based in Australia.

FFA chief James Johnson says the A-League will play on but fans will not be allowed to attend games. Picture: AAP

The A-League and W-League will continue with games played in empty stadiums, Football Federation Australia says.

And Wellington Phoenix will play the remainder of their fixtures in Australia, FFA chief executive officer James Johnson told reporters in Sydney on Monday.

“This is an unprecedented time and extremely complex for the sport and society at large,” Johnson said.

All lower-level soccer leagues in Australia, including under-age competitions, were permitted to continue without spectators and with enhanced hygiene protocols.

In the elite A-League, Wellington will likely depart New Zealand on Tuesday and spend the next 14 days in isolation, in line with government travel advice.

The club will likely be based in Sydney.

Phoenix’s fixtures will be rescheduled, as will those of Melbourne Victory, who return to Australia later Monday after playing in New Zealand on Sunday. The clubs aren’t allowed to train during the 14-day isolation period and face the prospect of playing four games in a two-week span at the end of the season.

“It’s not helpful ... but both of those clubs are willing to participate,” FFA’s head of leagues, Greg O’Rourke said.

Six rounds remain in the A-League before the finals.

The W-League grand final between Melbourne City and Sydney FC this weekend will proceed as scheduled but behind closed doors.

AAP