FFA temporarily suspends all local and NPL football matches

·

The Football Federation Australia (FFA) has temporarily suspended all grassroots football in an attempt to help minimise the spread of the coronavirus.

“After considered discussion with its nine State and Territory Member Federations and assessment of developments today, sanctioned grassroots football competitions and associated training would be suspended for the next four weeks,” a statement released by the FFA on Tuesday says.

All forms of semi-professional and local football games, including training and competitions, will not be permitted to take place. This includes National Premier Leagues, FFA Cup, youth and footballing activities under FFA jurisdiction such as MiniRoos and futsal.

This also means that competitions already in operation, such as the NPL, will have to halt while the winter amateur competitions due to start at the end of this month will be delayed.

The decision will take effect from 12:00am on Wednesday, 18 March 2020 until Tuesday, 14 April 2020.

FFA Chief Executive Officer James Johnson explained that while disappointing, reducing community gatherings would help slow the spread of the virus and that this was the driving factor in the decision. 

FFA CEO James Johnson speaking in a press conference. Photo: FFA

“It is very regrettable that grassroots football will not proceed for the next month, but as a good and responsible citizen, we recognise that our game of approximately 1.96 million participants, has a significant role to play in slowing the spread of the virus,” Johnson said. 

“More Australians play grassroots football than any other team sport in the country and we have been able to listen to the voice of our community, through the establishment of the National COVID-19 Working Committee and our Guidelines, who have expressed a desire to contribute more to the nation at this time through a unified and Whole of Game response.”

Football NSW Chief Executive Officer Stuart Hodge released a statement following the announcement by the FFA, recognising the importance of upholding the safety and wellbeing of the football community.

““Football NSW first and foremost supports our football family members and the wider community in ensuring that their health, wellbeing and safety is paramount amidst the current climate,” Hodge says.

“We are all unified as a sport to help ensure that the situation stabilizes by allowing our participants the chance to focus on what is important to them right now and that is keeping safe and well.

“We will continue to update all our members on the on-going changes that may occur but may I ask that each and everyone of you take care of yourselves, your family members and friends in this time of need.”

There are still no plans yet to suspend professional competitions such as the A-League and the W-League. Games will be played behind closed doors for the remainder of the season with FFA committed to playing this weekend’s W-League grand final between Sydney FC and Melbourne City.

FFA announced that they will continue to communicate new developments regarding the grassroots football suspension in the lead-up to 14 April 2020.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Little Legs Foundation sets monopoly World Record in memory of Alegra Vasiliou

The Little Legs Foundation officially set a new Guinness World Record for the most people playing Monopoly in a single venue.

Hellenic Medical Society of Australia’s Careers Day returns to inspire students

The Hellenic Medical Society of Australia invite all year 9-12 students to attend the HMSA ‘Pathways to Success’ Careers Day.

Melbourne man charged for impersonating police officer and assaulting families

Franesko Vamvakaris appeared in Ringwood Magistrates Court on Monday, facing charges of impersonating a police officer and unlawful assault.

Antonopoulos’ Le Sands temporarily closes amid dispute with Bayside Council

The iconic Le Sands Restaurant in Brighton-Le-Sands, owned by Paul and Elizabeth Antonopoulos, has temporarily closed its doors.

Canberra teen Aiden Stuart ‘lucky to be alive’ after hit-and-run incident

Aiden Stuart, a 15-year-old student from Canberra, remains in critical condition after being struck by an allegedly stolen car.

You May Also Like

Bill Papas fraud may have started in 2013, explosive Forum report finds

A liquidator’s report into Bill Papas’ company Forum Finance has accused the alleged fraudster of a range of criminal offences.

‘A part of history’: Andrew Malanos on the Kytherian Association of Australia’s centenary year

The Chairman of the Kytherian Association of Australia's centenary year, Andrew Malanos, opens up about the association's centenary year.

Tsapatolis’ career switch from basketball to AFL after rejecting Greece offer

"I told my parents footy is what I want to do and I’ll find a way to do it," new Geelong Cats singing Paul Tsapatolis said.