So long, far well?

The contest might not have been the best to watch for the fans but, unfortunately, it might be the last chance they get to watch a game for quite a while.

With the Australian Government’s announcement that gatherings of 500 people or more should be cancelled, next week’s A-League and W-League Grand Final fixtures are almost certain to be played behind closed doors.

However, Saturday afternoon’s proclamation by the New Zealand Government that any individual entering New Zealand – barring those from Pacific nations – would have to undergo a mandatory 14-day period of self-isolation has thrown the A-League’s immediate future into a state of flux.

“As it stands, it will be impossible for any future Hyundai A-League Season 2019/20 games to be held in New Zealand, pending another Government review in 16 days,” a Phoenix statement said.

“The club has been making preparations for this eventuality and will make further announcements in due course. The club will continue to work closely with the League, FFA, New Zealand Government and its partners as we work through this challenging time.”

As it stands, the ‘Nix are scheduled to play away games against Sydney FC and Newcastle Jets in the coming weeks and would not be able to return home without undergoing a mandatory quarantine. Star attacker Ulises Dávila had been set to fly back to Mexico for the birth of his first child following the Jets encounter.  

Their remains the possibility that the Kiwi club may relocate to Australia, but with the New Zealand Government not set to be reviewed for 16 days – the possibility that the A-League will be suspended has become a distinct possibility.

“I don’t know,” Mombaerts said on the situation. “I just, in my situation I just have to let the government and all the people that have this responsibility to make the right decision. I don’t know enough about the situation in Australia.”