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 matches from Leichhardt Oval this weekend, including the Isuzu UTE A-League Men fixture against Auckland FC.
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 22nd. 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, 27th December at Leichhardt Oval, and the Ninja A-League Women match between Sydney FC and Brisbane Roar scheduled at the same venue on Sunday, 29 December.
Given the tight schedules, the rescheduled time for the Isuzu UTE A-League Men clash between Sydney FC and Auckland FC will be confirmed in the coming days.
Fans who have purchased tickets for the postponed matches will be able to redeem them for the re-arranged fixtures. Ticketek will be in touch directly with ticket holders who require refunds.
“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 across our leagues and support the Club for this fixture.”
“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 fo