Australian Football Association official website screenshot.
China News Network, March 16th. Beijing time. On the 16th, the Australian Football Association posted on its official website announcing that the remaining regular season of the Australian Super League 2019/20 season and the Australian Women's Super League 2020 finals scheduled for this weekend will continue. However, all matches will be played in the open and no fans are allowed to participate.
It is reported that the policy will apply to the remaining six rounds of the 2019/20 regular season of the Australian Super League, and will be reviewed again whether it applies to the Australian Super League playoffs this season.
Earlier Australia had decided that all passengers arriving in Australia from today must be self-isolated for 14 days, meaning that games involving Melbourne Victory and Wellington Phoenix will not be played in the 24th and 25th round of the Australian Premier League. Will be rescheduled. The remainder of the 2019/20 Australian Premier League season in Phoenix Wellington (located in New Zealand) will be played in Australia.
The Football Association confirms that grassroots football, including the Super League at all levels and the FA Cup preliminaries, may continue at this time, but will also take additional measures to further reduce the risk of new coronavirus transmission through the football community, such as football matches Recommended hygiene measures and appropriate social distance.
FFA Chief Executive Officer James Johnson said the decisions were made to protect the 1.96 million members of the Australian football community and ensure that the football community will be a positive force in helping Australians stay healthy and fight the virus.
"The size of the population in football means that we can play a key role in maintaining the health and well-being of Australians, their families and the entire community. We do this to allow people to participate in games, which is consistent with the government's current position and can Further narrow the distance between society and football. "
"We have been working closely with stakeholders, government health officials, and our own chief medical officer to develop policies for the entire league after a new coronavirus outbreak. This situation is constantly changing and further action may be needed in the future."
Johnson added: "The continuation of the remaining games of the 2019/20 season in the Australian Super League and the Australian Women's Super League 2020 Finals and vacancy decisions were made in consultation with the club and based on the latest federal government recommendations."
"The health and safety of all members of the football community, including players, coaches, referees, volunteers, managers and fans, remains vital. We will continue to work with the government and seek advice as circumstances change." (End)