Melbourne Victory’s Hyundai A-League 2008/09 Round 15 match against Adelaide United at Telstra Dome has been officially rescheduled from Friday, 12 December to Tuesday, 6 January.
Melbourne Victory-s Hyundai A-League 2008/09 Round 15 match against Adelaide United at Telstra Dome has been officially rescheduled from Friday, 12 December to Tuesday, 6 January.
Football Federation Australia (FFA) today announced the change following Adelaide-s qualification for the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2008, which it reached by making the AFC Champions League 2008 Final, where it will face Japanese side Gamba Osaka in a two-legged contest next month.
Adelaide is scheduled to play at Japan 2008 on Sunday, 14 November and, depending on the result of the AFC Champions League 2008 Final, could also face New Zealand side Waitakere United on Thursday, 11 December.
Victory CEO Geoff Miles said after considering the best interests of its members and supporters, and acknowledging the magnitude of Adelaide-s recent achievements, the club understood the need for the Round 15 fixture to be rescheduled.
“We would like to congratulate Adelaide on the fantastic achievement of qualifying for the AFC Champions League 2008 Final and FIFA Club World Cup,” Miles said.
“After careful consideration, the club decided that while rescheduling the game is not ideal, January 6 was the best date to accommodate our players at one of the most important times of the Hyundai A-League season.
“Our match against Adelaide will now be played in the midst of the summer school holidays, at an earlier time of 7:30pm, to ensure all Victory members and supporters have the best chance of seeing one of this season-s biggest matches.
“It-s a unique situation, but we hope that our members, supporters, corporate partners and sponsors understand FFA-s decision, appreciate Adelaide-s efforts and will be able to attend what should be an exciting contest on January 6.”
All tickets purchased for Friday, 12 December are still valid for the rescheduled date of Tuesday, 6 January.
Victory Youth-s National Youth League 2008/09 Round 12 match against Adelaide Youth at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex on Saturday, 13 December has also been rescheduled and will now be played at Bob Jane Stadium on Wednesday, 21 January.
