Following a pitch inspection, the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) along with Sydney FC, have had to make the unfortunate decision to move Sydney FC’s men’s and women’s matches from Leichhardt Oval this weekend.
Ground staff at the venue changed the field of play from a winter to summer grass following Sydney FC’s last match at Leichhardt Oval against Melbourne Victory on November 22.
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A follow up pitch inspection on Monday has found the playing surface to be in an unsatisfactory condition, with large patches of sand and mud, and it’s been declared unsafe for play.
With this, the collective decision has been made to postpone the Isuzu UTE A-League Men fixture between Sydney FC and Auckland FC on Saturday at Leichhardt Oval.
Meanwhile the Ninja A-League Women match between Sydney FC and Brisbane Roar scheduled at the same venue on Sunday 29 December has also been postponed.
“We understand that weather and other factors can impact pitch maintenance and repairs, but for Leichhardt Oval to be unplayable and to be given little notice is unacceptable,” said APL Chair, Stephen Conroy.
“It’s frustrating that football has to bear the burden of these pitch management issues. It’s simply not good enough, and our game and our fans deserve better.
“We need venues, local councils and state governments to invest more into better management and the upgrade of venues to ensure the highest quality conditions for our players and fans. We will continue to push this and support our Clubs.
“While we know these changes will inconvenience many – and for that we apologise – it is imperative that we have the best possible playing surface to ensure quality football, player safety and the most entertaining product for our fans.
“We’d like to thank Sydney FC, Auckland FC and Brisbane Roar for their collaboration in moving these matches, and we look forward to the rescheduled fixtures.”
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Given the tight schedules in both leagues, the Sydney FC versus Brisbane Roar Ninja A-League Women match will be played on Wednesday 4 February at Leichhardt Oval ahead of the Women’s Asian Cup.
The rescheduled time for the Isuzu UTE A-League Men clash between Sydney FC and Auckland FC will be confirmed shortly.
Sydney FC members can access the rearranged fixtures as part of existing entitlements. Ticketek will be in touch with any ticket holders who wish to request a refund.
Updated fixtures:
Isuzu UTE A-League Men
Sydney FC v Auckland FC
Time and venue to be confirmed in the coming days.
Ninja A-League Women
Sydney FC vs Brisbane Roar
Kick off at 7.30pm AEDT on Wednesday 4 February
Leichhardt Oval
