Football: A-League restart in serious jeopardy following Victorian travel gaffe

Football: A-League restart in serious jeopardy following Victorian travel gaffe
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Football Federation Australia is desperately seeking travel exemptions to allow Victorian A-League players and staff entry into New South Wales.

On Monday, the NSW Government closed its border to Victoria, as a second wave of COVID-19 cases hits the state.

Melbourne City, Melbourne FC and Western United have been stranded at home, despite a late effort to leave the state on Tuesday night. 

FFA head of leagues Greg O'Rourke says the governing body has desperately tried to get all players and staff out of Victoria before borders closed, but they have been thwarted by a flight mishap and an ever-changing situation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Despite all the players boarding a plane to the ACT, the weather closed Canberra Airport, which then made it impossible to leave Victoria before the borders closed," says the FFA.

To make matters worse, Victoria is heading into a statewide lockdown at midnight on Wednesday. 

"As a result, we will now begin the process to seek exemptions from the NSW Government to allow the teams to enter NSW for them to continue their season," O'Rourke explains.

"If we find it necessary to revise the match schedule, we will do so accordingly and will announce once confirmed, however at this time, the schedule remains the same."

Even if the league is granted an exemption, players and staff will likely be required to quarantine in New South Wales for two weeks.

The season is scheduled to restart on July 16.