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Suspension of Grassroots Football Activity

17th March 2020

TO THE MEMBERS OF FFA

Suspension of grassroots football activity

The purpose of this Circular is to provide you with a further update in relation to the steps that Football Federation Australia (FFA) is taking in response to COVID-19.

As you are aware, COVID-19 continues to be an evolving situation in Australia and across the world.

On 16 March 2020, FFA issued Circular 20-05 to all members and participants, which set out national guidelines designed to assist, protect and reduce infection or transmission risks for the football community.  The national guidelines state that only essential participants should attend football activities at this time, which extend the Federal Government’s current ban on mass gatherings of 500 persons or more.

FFA today convened a meeting of the National COVID-19 Working Committee and the Presidents of the State Body Members to further discuss football’s response to COVID-19.  After careful consideration and having regard to the feedback received from the grassroots community, FFA advises that effective from 12:00am on 18 March 2020, all sanctioned grassroots football activity in Australia will be suspended until 14 April 2020.

The suspension applies to all sanctioned matches and competitions, including National Premier Leagues, FFA Cup, youth and grassroots football (including MiniRoos and futsal) as well as training and associated football related activities.

FFA recognises that this is very disruptive for the football community and we thank you for your understanding while we work through this difficult time.  FFA will continue to closely monitor all COVID-19 developments in consultation with the Federal Government and its National COVID-19 Working Committee and will provide updates to the football community as the latest information becomes available and in advance of 14 April 2020.

Further information in relation to this Circular is available via FFA’s press release available at https://www.ffa.com.au/news

James Johnson

Chief Executive Officer