Dear Victory members and fans,
Today has been one of many times this season that we have had to deal with postponed games, late changes and rescheduled matches.
It is genuinely frustrating for all of us that there is constant change to our A-League Men’s and Women’s fixtures, and the Club couldn’t be more thankful for your support, in particular those of you who travel and support our players on the road.
I know many of you are asking why the postponement of the Melbourne Derby has occurred so close to the proposed match day, when the date for our qualifier has been known for some time. It is important to understand that in order for us to meet Japan’s current COVID protocols, it is a requirement for the team to arrive three days prior to the match, which was only advised to the Club in recent days. Despite protracted discussions between the AFC, Football Australia, the A-Leagues and the Club, we were unable to procure a work around or postponement of our qualifier in a way that would enable us to preserve our domestic competition calendar once this information was provided to us. The final position and requirements were confirmed to us in writing this morning and accordingly, to make sure we did not forgo the opportunity to represent our Club, the league and the country in the ACL, the team is required to arrive in Kobe on Saturday which, when combined with limited international flight options and availability, has compromised our ability to play the Melbourne Derby this weekend.
Another late change in what is a big game for the Club is difficult for all of us, but we have had to deal with these complexities throughout this season which has resulted in changes with little notice to either you, or the team.
Given these issues, we have been working closely with the A-Leagues today to try and minimise disruption to the rest of the season. With that in mind (provided there are no COVID or weather issues that arise i.e. matters outside of our control):
- We will continue to work with the A-Leagues to ensure the Big Blue re-match is scheduled on a Saturday night in Sydney. This will allow all fans to transfer dates (where possible) and still get to an away trip.
- The A-Leagues have agreed that the Adelaide United fixture on Saturday 2 April will not be moved, so those of you who booked to travel can have some assurance that this game will indeed go ahead as fixtured.
I know this only goes a small way to make up for today’s announcements, but please know that I am advocating on Melbourne Victory’s behalf and with your interests at heart.
Like you, I am looking forward to a season where we get to announce a fixture and we can all plan accordingly.
Again, we appreciate your support in these trying times.
Let’s get behind the boys on Wednesday night against Central Coast, and the girls this Sunday, when they take on Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium at 4.05pm.
Caroline Carnegie
Managing Director
Melbourne Victory
