"We have got all the NPL2 and NPL3 clubs on board wanting to play out their season. We have a handful of top-tier teams who also want to play, maybe nine or 10 who have doubts and have not changed their minds yet," Filopoulos told The Age.

"We are working on solutions. We would expect that some will change their minds before we do kick-off but we can't say how many or who."

FTBL understands that one option being considered by FV involves the employment of a hybrid style competition in which NPL clubs would play off of with NPL2 and NPL3 sides. 

In an interview with FTBL on Monday, Hume City President Steve Kaya affirmed his club's desire to resume the 2020 season, as well as questioning the motives of those clubs that had expressed reservations on returning.

“First of all, we’re a football club and we should be playing football whenever is possible,” Kaya said. “We’re a football club, why should we refuse to play football? So, our decision is, of course, you want to play.

“What upsets me is that everyone has their own agendas, the place is full of politics and there are no straight shooters."

Galatas, however, insisted that the reluctant top-tier NPL clubs were operating in good faith. 

"Those 10 clubs who have taken a different view have done it in good faith, having regard to the reality of their club's circumstances. They would love to play too, if they could," he told FTBL on Monday.

“All clubs respect each other's position. If Hume can resume, then they can resume. The pandemic has affected us all differently. Some have coped better than others.

"This is a time not to leave anyone behind, if possible. Most NPL1 clubs have expressed an inability to play this year for myriad compelling reasons.”