Football’s return delayed until 31 May
Football West News
Update: The postponement of all grassroots football in Australia has been extended to 31 May, 2020.
The decision announced today by Football Federation Australia CEO James Johnson (see below) comes in response to the COVID-19 outbreak and its continuing implications.
The initial suspension, from 17 March, was scheduled to end on 14 April.
The new guidelines once more affect all sanctioned football in Western Australia, including competitions, training, trials, programs, coaching clinics and other football activities.
Football West CEO James Curtis said the extension was not a surprise considering the ongoing impact of COVID-19 and that Football West would continue to support clubs, associations and other stakeholders.
Mr Curtis said: “It is naturally very disappointing that there will be no football until 31 May but the health and safety of people is the priority and, like the FFA, we will be guided by the health experts. It is about doing the right thing.
“The news today will hurt across the board. We remain in regular talks with Federal, State and Local governments to try to ease the burden on our clubs and associations, and in turn their suppliers and other business partners.
“I have been proud of how the WA football community has reacted to this situation and we urge everyone to continue to respect each other and the wider community.”
Mr Curtis said while the situation was painful, the long-term future of the game in WA remained positive.
“There has been so much good work done over the past few years and that will stand us in good stead when we come through the other side,” he said.
“We have spoken to many of our partners recently and they have been positive and encouraging.
“As I said earlier this week, yes this is a time for consolidation and planning, but it is also a time for innovation and new opportunity. There is too much talent in the football community for us not to succeed.
“And I want to reiterate – there will be a season in 2020. We don’t know yet how it will look, but there will be football this year.”
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