As part of new guidelines announced by the Prime Minister following a meeting of the National Cabinet on Friday, fans could potentially begin to return to sporting events in stadiums with a capacity of 40,000 or below at a maximum 25% attendance, "some time in July".

"This is not something that's happening straight away,” The Prime Minister said.

“This is something that would be happening as part of step three, where states and territories choose to move to that, and it will require a bit more work. So that's in July."

The potential for stadia with capacities greater than 40,000 hosting events while also observing the 10,000-person rule was also flagged, pending approval of the Chief Health Officer of the state or territory in which the ground resided.

Bars and food outlets would also be allowed to open as part of the plans, as long as social distancing measures were implemented and the rules would also be relaxed for events such as concerts and festivals.

"It would have to be a large, open area,” said the PM. “There would need to be seats at the appropriate distance. It would need to be ticketed, so people would be able to understand who was in attendance at that event.”

Whereas the NRL and AFL have already re-commenced their seasons in empty stadiums, the A-League – despite being the last major domestic competition in Australia to suspend play – has not yet given concrete dates for its plan to conclude the 2019/20 season.

A hub model in which the clubs would complete the regular season and finals series in Sydney is understood to be the preferred model for a return to play, and the earmarked host grounds of Jubilee Stadium and WIN Stadium are both well under the 40,000 limit outlined by the Federal Government.

The announcement could potentially also open the doors for National Premier League (NPL) and grassroots fixtures around the country to allow fans to attend matches as long as contract-tracing protocols were in place. 

Though unlikely that crowds would immediately return to pre-COVID-19 levels, it would, nonetheless, open the possibility for NPL and grassroots clubs that have been hit hard by the suspension of football to bring in some much-needed funds from gate takings and canteen sales. 

Crowds were recently in attendance as Football Northern Territory marked its return to football, with the Top End having largely eliminated the virus within its borders. 

Be it with or without fans in the stands, a mid-July resumption with a finals campaign concluded in August has been proposed by the league and agreed to with the PFA; however, negotiations remain ongoing with Fox Sports over the broadcast of the events.

Perth Glory owner Tony Sage told The Daily Telegraph on Thursday that should an agreement between the A-League and Fox not be reached by next Tuesday, described as “D-Day” by the Glory owner” the season should be scrapped.

Sage’s view, The Daily Telegraph reported, is shared by at least one other A-League owner.

The FFA today welcomed the prospect of crowds returning to matches.

“Football Federation Australia is encouraged by today’s announcement by the Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, that crowds of up to 10,000 will be permitted to attend matches in Stadiums with capacities of 40,000 or less from a yet-to-be-determined date throughout July," said a spokesman.

“FFA remains on track to recommence the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season in mid-July, and this news could well ensure that club Members and fans have the opportunity to attend games throughout the remaining 27 matches of the regular season and the Finals Series, due to be contested in August. 

“The news is also welcomed for our national teams, with the Socceroos currently scheduled to play World Cup Qualifiers on home soil in October and November. 

“FFA will continue to work closely with the Federal Government, State and Territory Governments, and venues, to consider how changes to the rules may apply to football fixtures from the National Premier Leagues to the National Teams.”