The run-in to the men’s A-League has been thrown into disarray by the postponement of Sunday’s crucial match between the Central Coast Mariners and Adelaide United.
In a statement, the A-Leagues have said:
“Due to the Central Coast Mariners’ flight cancellations from Dubai Airport enroute back from Kyrgyzstan, and re-routing of flights due to the adverse weather conditions in the region, the Round 25 Isuzu UTE A-League Men fixture scheduled for this Sunday needs to be postponed.
“We will share more information in the coming days on the rescheduled date following further consultation with clubs, FA and based on AFC Cup fixturing.”
The Mariners were caught up in widespread flight delays after drawing 1-1 in the first leg of their AFC Cup semi-final with Kyrgystan Premier League champions FC Abdysh-Ata Kant.
The knock-on effect is that it means the Premiers Plate will no longer be decided on Sunday April 27 when the Phoenix and the Mariners were both due to play their final regular season games, kicking off at the same time.
It’s now likely the Phoenix will have to finish their schedule and then wait for the Mariners to play Adelaide, a game that’s likely to decide the final league table.
What’s at stake
The club that finishes top of the table after the completion of the 27 rounds of games will win the Premier’s Plate.
For the Phoenix, it would be the club’s first trophy since the club was founded in 2007.
By finishing in the top four, the Phoenix have gained home advantage in the finals play-offs, a set of games to decide who will play in the Championship grand final.
Finishing top of the table would mean the Phoenix would host the grand final if they reached it.
The possibility of a grand final at Sky Stadium over the weekend of May 24-26 has led to the postponement of the annual Wellington Food Show.
The food event was due to be held at the stadium but has been rescheduled for the last weekend in August.
Main photo credit: Natural Light Photography Company.
Standings
Run-in for both teams
Wellington Phoenix
Game to be played on Friday April 19, 2024
Newcastle Jets v Wellington Phoenix
Newcastle International Sports Centre, Newcastle, 9.45pm (NZT)
Game to be played on Saturday April 27, 2024
Wellington Phoenix v Macarthur
Sky Stadium, Wellington, 7.15pm (NZT)
Central Coast Mariners
Game to be played on Saturday April 27, 2024
Newcastle Jets v Central Coast Mariners
Newcastle International Sports Centre, Newcastle, 7.15pm (NZT)
Game to be played on a date yet to be decided
Central Coast Mariners v Adelaide United
Central Coast Stadium, Gosford
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