The 2-2 draw kicked off at 4.30pm local time with temperatures still reportedly around 39C in the shade, forcing drinks breaks every 15 minutes to keep players hydrated and allow them a chance to cool down.

After the match, Phoenix coach Chris Greenacre said some of his players had been sick at half-time as a result of the sweltering weather.

He added: "They're absolutely shattered...It's about the welfare of the players, that is what matters."

Today though the FFA insisted the decision to play the match had been the right call, despite pleas on the day for it to be delayed until the cool of the evening.

“FFA has since been informed by medical staff at the match that no players suffered heat stroke during the match," said a spokesman.

“The WBGT reading before the match on Sunday in Adelaide was 25.6.

"Despite this, Head of Hyundai A-League Greg O’Rourke consulted both team doctors and it was agreed to insert drinks breaks into the match as a further sign of FFA’s interest in player welfare.

"This was all agreed and acknowledged by both teams."

The FFA added: “All Hyundai A-League matches are played under the FFA Heat Policy, which is an agreed policy that offers a framework to ensure matches are played well within world's best practice health and safety standards.

 “The FFE Heat Policy clearly states that drinks breaks should be implemented if the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) reaches 26 degrees and there should be consideration of delays and postponement if the WBGT reaches 28.

"The FFA Heat Policy offers greater consideration to players welfare than the FIFA policy and that of most other sports around the world.
 
“In line with FFA’s Heat Policy, both clubs were informed throughout the week of the forecast WBGT for Adelaide on Sunday to ensure the players were professionally prepared."