Sydney Cricket Ground has been axed as the venue for next week's crucial clash between Sydney FC and Perth Glory in the wake of the uproar over the surface for the Big Blue.
Terry Antonis limped off with an injury after taking a tumble on the uneven surface at the SCG which saw Sydney take on Melbourne Victory on a pitch with three different types of grass surface.
Today the FFA confirmed talks between it, Sydney FC and the SCG Trust had finally agreed to allow the Glory fixture to be moved to Jubilee Stadium instead.
The match will be Sydney FC’s final home game of the regular season and has the potential to be a crucial match in the context of the race for the Premiers Plate.
But the FFA insisted the surface at the SCG was still playable.
“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 in days prior to the match as per our normal process,” said FFA Head of League Greg 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.”
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 first playing second and we want the narrative to be about the football," he said.
“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.”
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