Phoenix men hit by Covid-19 outbreak

The Wellington Phoenix’s next two A-League men’s matches have been postponed because of a number of positive Covid-19 cases in the Phoenix camp.

Eight players from the team, which is now in Australia, have tested positive, while two another players and a staff member are close contacts and have to isolate for seven days.

This is in addition to the two players and staff member who tested positive last week.

It means the Phoenix will be unable to field a squad for tomorrow’s round nine match against the Newcastle Jets in Sydney or next weekend’s 10th round match against Perth Glory, so the A-Leagues have agreed to postpone both fixtures.

The A-Leagues will work with all the clubs involved to reschedule the matches for later in the season.

The Phoenix have also asked Football Australia if the men’s FFA Cup semi-final against Melbourne Victory, scheduled to be played next week, can be pushed back.

The club and A-Leagues have protocols in place for screening and detecting the virus and ensuring immediate isolation.

In a statement, the club said their primary concern was for the health, wellbeing and safety of all players and staff.

All positive cases are adhering to relevant state government health directives, in close consultation with the A-Leagues.