Australian football’s A-league set to resume on July 16

Australia’s A-League is set to resume on July 16 with a Melbourne derby followed by 27 games in a 28-day period.

Football Federation Australia on Tuesday announced the Victory vs. West United match as the official restart a day after players agreed a pay deal and the union and clubs agreed to extend the league to August 31. The league has been suspended since March because of the coronavirus pandemic and players and clubs have taken a financial hit.

League-leading Sydney FC will take on Wellington



Pheonix on July 17 in a revised schedule. Detail for the full remainder of the season is yet to be confirmed because of the prospect of relaxations on border restrictions that would allow clubs in most states to host games.

Two possible schedules have been drawn up for remaining matches. Under one, all 11 clubs will be based at a hub in New South Wales state and will play matches in Sydney and Newcastle. Under the second, clubs in Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne will be able to play matches at home if border restrictions are eased.