Football: A-League set to finalise details next week to complete season

Wellington Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay.
Wellington Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay. Photo credit: Getty

Wellington Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay hopes his team can resume training in the next fortnight, as plans to complete the remainder of the A-League season are finalised. 

Football Federation Australia expects to release details early next week around plans to bring all 11 teams - including the Wellington Phoenix - to Sydney to play the final 28 games of the regular season, as well as the finals series, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. 

The report adds that games will likely take place at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium in Kogarah and WIN Stadium in Wollongong, while Leichhardt Oval is also a possibility.

No return dates are yet confirmed, although Talay says on the Phoenix YouTube page that he will likely be back on the training paddock soon.

"It looks like we'll be back in the park in early June," he says in a 'Nix Stars in Lockdown' episode. "There are lots of protocols the club is going through with Sport NZ.

"We just need to make sure the environment is safe for the players to do their work and do the right things when they leave.

"There is talk of resuming the season, but we're not sure when yet. I'm sure the boys will be keen to finish off what they started. 

"Towards the backend of the season, we were playing some good football. It's disappointing what has happened, but we can't control that.

"Hopefully, we can plan and prepare the players to continue where we left off." 

The Phoenix would likely have to serve a two-week quarantine, if they travel to Australia to compete in the revamped competition. 

An FFA spokesman says a state host hasn't been decided, although logistical advantages puts New South Wales ahead of Queensland and Victoria, with four teams based in the state. 

"We are looking at a number of states to host the A-League hub," the FFA spokesman has told the Sydney Morning Herald

"Within NSW, Kogarah, Wollongong and Leichhardt are among our options, but we have not made a decision yet on the venues or location."

Bankwest Stadium, Central Coast Stadium and Campbelltown Stadium are out of bounds, as they're being used for the revised NRL season.

The A-League Grand Final will be staged no later than August 30. 

Football: A-League set to finalise details next week to complete season