Football Federation Australia (FFA) today announced that an extension of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season until 31 August 2020, had been finalised following extensive discussions with the Hyundai A-League clubs and Professional Footballers Australia (PFA).
FFA Chief Executive James Johnson acknowledged the agreement and said “I’d like to thank the players and clubs for their commitment to re-starting the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season.
“These are extremely challenging times and I’d like to acknowledge the leadership shown by all to ensure our loyal supporters across Australia will be able to see their favourite teams back in action again soon.
“When the A-League was suspended on 24 March, our players had been paid for the full ten months of the season equating to 83% of their contracted salaries.
“Our players have shown great solidarity and have agreed to take a reduction in pay for the additional three months of the season to ensure that it can be completed.
“We have all had to readjust to this new landscape and this has meant coming together to make sacrifices for the greater good of the game. The resumption of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season is another step forward for the reactivation of football, and we look forward to a return to training and competitive action,” Johnson added.
Australian Professional Football Clubs Association (APFCA) Chairman Paul Lederer said he was excited that professional football is now set to return.
“This is really great news for football fans across Australia, and I am so pleased that their patience has been rewarded, and they will soon get to experience what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season.
“The clubs are very excited to get playing again, and to be able to deliver the game to our wonderful football community, especially at a time when grassroots football competition will be back in action.”
FFA Head of Leagues Greg O’Rourke was also delighted with the agreement, and said “We’d like to acknowledge the executives of the PFA and Hyundai A-League clubs for their collaboration and work in getting this deal done to take us through to the completion of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season.”
“We can now focus on the testing of all players for COVID-19 before a return to training for the clubs this week.
“We will announce details of the revised draw for the remaining 27 matches of the regular season shortly, which will be contested over a period of 28 days, plus the five Final Series matches.
“We look forward to continuing discussions with our broadcast partners regarding broadcast details of all matches.”
