Coronavirus: A-League season to resume with Victory v Western United on July 16
June 16, 2020 01:33 MYT
The 2019-20 A-League season is set to resume with a derby between Melbourne Victory and Western United on July 16.
Australia's premier football competition was suspended in March due to the coronavirus pandemic, with just 27 matches and the finals remaining.
On Monday, it was announced that the A-League campaign had been extended until the end of August following talks between Football Federation Australia (FFA), the clubs and players.
The FFA has now confirmed it has several draw options ready, though the clash between Victory and Western United at AAMI Park in Melbourne will kick-off the resumption of the season.
The only other fixture revealed is defending champions Sydney FC's match against third-placed Wellington Phoenix at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, with the remaining regular-season games to be played over a 28-day period before the finals.
Finally, we can get excited! #ALeague pic.twitter.com/SE6SpGrYOr
— Hyundai A-League (@ALeague) June 16, 2020
"We have developed multiple draw options for the completion of the regular season," FFA's head of leagues Greg O'Rourke said on Tuesday.
"All options commence with Victory taking on Western United at AAMI Park followed by a game between the table topping Sydney FC against third-placed Wellington Phoenix at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium the following day.
Sydney top the table through 20 games, 21 points ahead of sixth-placed Western United, while Victory are second from bottom.