The Wellington Phoenix will leave for Sydney on Wednesday afternoon after the club reached an agreement with Australian state-based health officials to be able to train within the self-isolation window and then recommence their A-League football campaign.
Wellington Phoenix player David Ball. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
This comes after Football Federation Australia confirmed that the remainder of the regular season will go ahead, but with all matches to be played behind closed doors in Australia - including the two remaining Wellington Phoenix home games - and with no fans permitted to attend the remaining six rounds of the season.
This decision will mean the Wellington Phoenix will be required to self-isolate for 14 days upon their arrival in Australia.
Wellington Phoenix General Manager, David Dome, said the decision to travel to Sydney was not taken lightly.
''We have discussed this amongst ourselves, consulted with health professionals and government bodies in Australia and New Zealand and taken all possible precautions to ensure those travelling are given the best protection possible," Dome said.
''We are also conscious that the situation is constantly evolving and it may all change again tomorrow, but we are making this decision with the best information we have available at this time.
"As things have continued to evolve rapidly over the past few days, all options have been investigated and it became apparent that suspension of the Hyundai A-League was never an option."
Dome said all players and staff were given the option of not travelling if they felt unsafe.
"All players and coaching staff have elected to travel to Australia tomorrow. The club also recognises the impact that this will have on players and football operations' families, and a number of support measures are being put in place to assist them during this time."
Wellington's last two home matches have been cancelled, and a decision is pending from FFA as to when these matches will be rescheduled to.
