The Australian Football Federation announced today, Monday, the prevention of fans from attending the remaining matches of the current season of the local league in attempts to contain the spread of the Corona virus.
Local media speculated that the competition would be suspended due to government travel restrictions that would force Wellington Phoenix and Melbourne Victory to be quarantined for 14 days after entering Australia after playing a local league match in New Zealand on Sunday.
But Australian Federation President James Johnson announced that the matches of the two teams will be held later after the end of the quarantine period, along with Wellington New Zealand agreeing to stay in Australia to complete this season.
The Australian Football Federation also said that the decisive match for the local women's league title will be played behind closed doors as well.
"We want to squeeze out the remaining matches this season," Australian League League President Greg Uruki said at a Sydney press conference today.
He added, "We believe that this is the best solution in light of the current reality instead of canceling the competition, and following up what will happen in the health situation during the coming months."
Six games remain for the Australian League preliminary round, before the knockout rounds.