Football codes to battle through COVID-19

Blayne Treadgold
16 March 2020

Football codes around the country are remaining defiant amid coronavirus fears with the AFL, NRL and Aleague opting for modifications to their season schedule opposed to cancellations.

The AFL announced a shortened season in 2020 with AFL Chief Executive Officer, Gill Mclachlan announcing changes which include a shortened season to seventeen rounds and the suspension of state-based competitions including the WAFL until May 31.

“Given the uncertainty of what lies ahead and to give us maximum flexibility while preserving the integrity of the competition, the Toyota AFL Premiership Season will be reduced to 17 rounds; every team will play each other once,” Mclachlan said in an official statement.

The decision comes after the A-league were also forced to make changes to the remainder of their season, with Melbourne Victory being forced into isolation after returning from New Zealand after the mandatory 14-day quarantine period for overseas travellers.

New Zealand based teams also face significant hurdles including Wellington Phoenix who will commence their 14-day quarantine period from Tuesday when they arrive in Australia to play out the rest of their season in Sydney, behind closed doors.

Football Federation Australia Chief Executive, James Johnson announced the A-league would continue with remaining fixtures being played behind closed doors.

While the Super Rugby competition remains suspended it’s dire times for Rugby League according to ARL Chairman Peter V’landys.

“The longer it takes, the more pressure on our financial viability. “It could have catastrophic effects on us going forward.”

“Our money will only last so long and once it’s extinguished we are in big trouble,” V’landys said.

Football codes to battle through COVID-19

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