Amid the coronavirus pandemic, Australia’s top-flight league has been postponed further.
The A-League season has been postponed further due to the coronavirus pandemic, now not likely to resume until at least June.
The campaign had been suspended last month amid Covid-19, which has killed over 183,800 people worldwide.
Football Federation Australia (FFA) said on Thursday it needed to restart its time “when possible”.
“Our purpose is to deliver live, professional soccer and finish the Hyundai A-League 2019-20 year, and we have set several criteria that will define if this is going to be possible,” FFA chief executive James Johnson said in a statement on Thursday.
“Our priority is still the health and security of all players and staff and we will have to be satisfied that appropriate measures are in place to ensure this. Secondly, we will need to meet all government restrictions in place at the time, including state/territory border controls. Finally, any decision to resume will be made in full alignment with the government and its medical advisors.
“We will resume play whenever possible, and also the very first stage would see the players return to training. We would then schedule matches. It’s tough to see that procedure beginning before the end of May, however, we will work with all stakeholders to get the earliest possible resumption.
“Football takes its responsibilities as a fantastic corporate citizen very seriously and remains committed to working in partnership with the government to slow the spread of COVID-19. At the same time, we want to play our part in supporting the psychological and social health of the Australian football family and all sports-loving Australians.
“Finally, the coronavirus will have the final say on when we can find the season started again and completed.
“We want to thank the clubs and players who’ve been understanding of their current circumstances and worked collaboratively with us in connection with this matter during this age. I would also like to acknowledge our supporters, commercial partners, and football community who continue to remain engaged and connected in this challenging time, and we thank them for their continued support.”
Australia has more than 6,600 confirmed instances of coronavirus, including 74 deaths.
The A-League had 27 regular-season fixtures left to play when it was suspended.
