Football Federation Australia (FFA), Sydney FC and the Sydney Cricket and Sports Grounds (SCG) today jointly agreed to move the upcoming Hyundai A-League 2018/19 Round 26 fixture between Sydney FC and Perth Glory to Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.
The FFA Head of Leagues, Greg O’Rourke, believes the decision to move the match is in the best interests of all stakeholders to ensure that Hyundai A-League matches continue to be played on surfaces conducive to professional football.
“We acknowledge that the playing surface was, and would be, playable and safe for Hyundai A-League football as verified by two independent expert reports,” said O’Rourke.
“The SCG’s wicket block, though, compromises the uniformity of the field for Football in particular.
“Following discussions with all stakeholders, we have taken the proactive decision to move the remaining Sydney FC match at the SCG to Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.
“We appreciate all the work that the SCG trust has undertaken to accommodate an unprecedented amount of activity on the SCG in recent months and we will continue to work with them in regards to venue usage in the future,” concluded O’Rourke.
Sydney FC Chief Executive Officer Danny Townsend says the game needs to be the centrepiece attraction.
“This is a hugely important Hyundai A-League fixture with 1st playing 2nd and we want the narrative to be about the football.
“I believe our squad didn’t get the credit they deserved for their magnificent performance on Saturday night and we need the game to be the main event.
“This is a decision made in the viewing interest of Members and supporters.”
SCG Chief Executive Officer Kerrie Mather said: “We understand the FFA and Sydney FC’s decision to move the fixture.
“We have secured access for our members to attend the match and look forward to continuing our close relationship with the FFA and Sydney FC.”
The match will be Sydney FC’s final home game of the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 regular season and has the potential to be a crucial match in the context of the race for the Hyundai A-League Premiers Plate.
