All Australian clubs participating in the AFC Asian Champions League 2020 (ACL) have been notified of scheduled changes to their club’s Match Day (MD) 1 fixtures.

The fixture changes are a result of the Australian Federal Government’s restrictions applied to foreign nationals traveling from mainland China and affects the China-based teams competing in the ACL. Below are some frequently asked questions relating to the MD 1 changes:

Q. Why have there been changes to the ACL fixture?

A. Following the outbreak of coronavirus in the Hubei Province of China, the Australian Federal Government has applied travel restrictions on foreign nationals entering Australia from mainland China.

Q. Which fixtures have been impacted?

A. Those involving Chinese Super League clubs. The ACL MD 1 fixtures impacted are:

  • Perth Glory v Shanghai Shenhua (Tuesday 11 February); and
  • Sydney FC v Shanghai SIPG (Wednesday 12 February).

Q. When will the matches be rescheduled?

A. Perth Glory’s MD 1 fixture against Shanghai Shenhua will now be played on 28 April and Sydney FC’s fixture against Shanghai SIPG will be played on 29 April.

These dates are at the conclusion of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season and were negotiated so as not to impact the race for positions in the final six (6).

Melbourne Victory will play a rescheduled Match day 3 fixture against Beijing FC on 26 May after the Hyundai A-League 2020 Finals Series.

Regarding Match days 4 – 6 hosted in China, the representatives also agreed that a deadline to assess the latest situation will be set 21 days before each match and if it is decided the game cannot go-ahead as proposed, the host club will have to nominate a neutral venue at least 14 days before the match day and also meet any quarantine requirements prevailing at the time.

Q. Will Melbourne Victory’s scheduled Match Day 1 match against Chiangrai United proceed?

A. Yes, this match (February 11) will proceed as scheduled at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium (AAMI Park) as the travel restrictions do not apply to clubs outside of China.

Q. What is coronavirus?

A. A new respiratory virus that has emerged in China. So far the coronavirus has primarily caused cases of illness in Hubei Province, China. However, there have been cases of coronavirus (also known as 2019-nCoV) reported in several Asian and other countries, including Australia. The situation is evolving rapidly; there is much more to learn about how it is spread, its severity, and other features associated with 2019-nCoV, and investigations are ongoing.

Q. Who is at risk of coronavirus?

A. People who have visited mainland China (excluding Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan), or who have had contact with an infected person, in the previous 14 days may be at risk of catching the disease. More information on coronavirus can be found here.

If you have any further questions please contact PFA Head of Player Relations Beau Busch via 0432 763 485 or beau@pfa.net.au