Omicron is quickly becoming sports' toughest rival, with the COVID-19 variant forcing schedule changes in sporting codes all around the world.
A-League's Wellington Phoenix were meant to play Melbourne City in the FFA Cup on Wednesday, but the match was called off earlier today due to positive cases in the Australian team's camp.
Nix General Manager David Dome says the virus isn't going away anytime soon, but they can't keep playing across the ditch forever - Dome says the New Zealand Government needs a plan to help Kiwi teams in trans-Tasman competitions.
"It was called off after cases were found yesterday afternoon - last night," says Dome.
"So that FFA cup game has now been postponed".
But the problem is also global. In the last week, 80 NBA players had to enter COVID protocols following a massive outbreak in the US, while the National Hockey League has shut down 10 of their 32 teams, and put a pause on the season.
Meanwhile, in the UK, the English Premier League has recorded 90 new cases.
All leagues are struggling to keep teams on the court, field and ice, but are dealing with pandemic issues the best they can.
"This virus will not be eradicated and we are going to have to learn to live with it," says NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.
Silver believes the sporting world needs to learn to live with COVID-19, pointing to high vaccination rates within the league as a source of security - a view also held by the Phoenix boss.
"It's going to be very difficult to keep it out, and for us as a sporting organisation, we can't keep relocating to Australia," says Dome.
Yesterday the Government announced travel restrictions between New Zealand and Australia have been pushed back till at least the end of February, meaning for Phoenix players and staff it will be their third Christmas in a row away from their families.
There are now growing concerns that Super Rugby Pacific will also be affected due to the border closure exemption with a revamped draw due out on Thursday.
COVID response Minister Chris Hipkins said on Tuesday he wouldn't rule in or out, travel exemptions for trans-Tasman sports teams.
The Phoenix will certainly be hoping that travel exemptions are ruled in.
