Two of Sydney FC’s Hyundai A-League 2017/18 matches have received changes in date and kick off time to accommodate the Sky Blues’ AFC Champions League commitments.
The changes deliver on FFA’s commitment to Hyundai A-League clubs – made in June last year – to enhance player welfare by extending the time between matches throughout the busy AFC Champions League period, while still fulfilling obligations to the competition’s key stakeholders.
In Round 25 the Sky Blues’ away clash against Perth Glory has been shifted from Saturday, 31 March to Thursday, 29 March 2018. This will provide Sydney FC with two extra days preparation for their mid-week away fixture against a yet to be determined qualifier.
In Round 27 Sydney FC’s home match against Melbourne Victory has been moved from Saturday, 14 April to Friday, 13 April 2018. This change will provide Sydney FC with an extra day to prepare for their mid-week home match against Chinese heavyweights Shanghai Shenhua, and Melbourne Victory with an additional day to prepare for their mid-week home match against a yet to be determined qualifier.
Head of the Hyundai A-League, Greg O’Rourke, said FFA was committed to maintaining flexibility in the Hyundai A-League Draw annually to support the efforts of Australian Clubs in Asia, and flagged further changes to the draw should Brisbane Roar be successful in their quest to qualify for the Group Stage of the 2018 AFC Champions League.
“In addition to implementing two split rounds [rounds 20 & 22] from the outset to assist clubs during the 2018 AFC Champions League Group Stage, we have worked closely with all clubs and our partners to make these changes,” said O’Rourke.
“They will help the clubs involved to be even more competitive in the AFC Champions League and we thank all stakeholders for working with us to accommodate the moves.”
Tickets already distributed will not be reissued for the game. These printed tickets with the Saturday date will still work at the Friday game.
Ticket Purchasers will be notified and can receive a refund if requested.
Please note the following updates to the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 Season Draw:
Round |
Date |
Home |
Away |
Venue |
Local |
AEDT |
Note |
25 |
Thursday, 29 March 2018 |
Perth Glory |
Sydney FC |
nib Stadium |
18:30 |
21:30 |
Updated match date & kick-off time |
Round |
Date |
Home |
Away |
Venue |
Local |
AEDT |
Note |
27 |
Friday, 13 April 2018 |
Sydney FC |
Melbourne Victory |
Allianz Stadium |
19:50 |
19:50 |
Updated match date |
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