EXCLUSIVE: Discover the A-League’s Explanation for the Scheduling Mishap that Left Fans without Football for Two Weeks Leading up to the Grand Final
Football fans were left wondering why the A-League men’s grand final is not taking place this weekend. However, the A-League has now provided an explanation for this decision. In an unexpected turn of events, an A-League spokesperson recently clarified to Daily Mail Australia why the Melbourne City and Central Coast Mariners showdown will not be happening on Saturday night, as initially anticipated.
“At the start of the A-League men’s season, an extra week was factored into the schedule to account for any potential delays caused by Covid-19,” the statement mentioned. “Now that the pandemic is no longer posing an obstacle for supporters and teams, we saw an opportunity to heighten the anticipation surrounding one of the most significant events on our football calendar.”
The decision to stage the Grand Final on June 3 allows more time for fans from Melbourne and the Central Coast to make their way to Sydney. Additionally, it presents the possibility of securing more affordable travel prices. This extended gap in the schedule also allows both the Mariners and Melbourne City to engage in fan-based activities and further prepare for the grand final. Ticket sales have been incredibly promising, and we anticipate a spectacular event for football fans of all ages at Commbank Stadium.
Although many football fans expressed their desire to witness the decider on May 27, a week after the second legs of the grand final qualifiers, the league’s reasoning behind the delay appears puzzling. The argument that the gap was created to accommodate travel and accommodation plans for Melbourne City and Central Coast fans seems less logical considering that the final teams were not known in advance, and it could have potentially been Sydney FC and the Western Wanderers.
This year marks the first time in the competition’s history, which dates back to 2005, that the A-League grand final will be held at a neutral venue on June 3. A deal worth an estimated $10 million was struck between the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) and Destination NSW last year, ensuring Sydney hosts both the Men’s and Women’s deciders until 2025. The move sparked controversy and led to a boycott of the finals series by hundreds of Sydney FC fans from ‘The Cove.’ Despite the backlash, APL CEO Danny Townsend defended the decision, emphasizing the need to secure marquee fixtures on the national sports calendar.
“The Grand Final decision was made because we believed that our marquee fixtures deserved a prominent spot on the national sports calendar,” Townsend stated. “To achieve that, we needed to select a venue and involve government entities in the decision-making process. Ultimately, our aim is to foster the growth of the game and create a marketable and investable proposition that football fans can rally behind.”
The Women’s A-League Grand Final, held on April 30, was also hosted at Commbank Stadium, with Sydney FC emerging victorious in a convincing 4-0 win against Western United.
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