Football to continue in Australia amid coronavirus crisis but behind closed doors | Football

Football in Australia will continue despite fears over the spread of the coronavirus, but the remainder of the A-League season and next weekend’s W-League grand final will be played behind closed doors.

FFA announced on Monday that fans will not be able to attend the remaining six rounds of the men’s competition and the women’s title decider between Melbourne City and Sydney FC.

The Australian government’s requirement that all travellers Australia arriving in Australia from Monday will have to self-isolate for a period of 14 days means matches involving Melbourne Victory and Wellington Phoenix will not proceed in rounds 24 and 25.

The Phoenix will play the remainder of their games in Australia, following the New Zealand government’s advice on isolation when returning to the country.

FFA also confirmed that grassroots football can continue but with additional measures implemented, including recommended hygiene measures and appropriate social distancing at football matches.

“The scale of football means that we have a key role to play in maintaining the health and well-being of Australians, as well as their families and the wider community,” FFA CEO James Johnson said.

“We are doing so by allowing people to play, in line with the current government position but with additional guidance to further improve social distancing at football fields around the country.”

More to follow.