Australia's A-League to resume on July 16 in Melbourne

SYDNEY -- Australia's top-level men's football league, the A-League, is set to resume on July 16 with Melbourne Victory taking on Western United at AAMI Park in Melbourne.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) revealed details about its restart plan on Tuesday after it finalized an agreement with relative parties to extend the 2019-2020 season to Aug 31 on Monday.

After the match between the Victorian rivals, the remaining 26 games of the regular season will be played over 28 days.

FFA will release more schedules closer to date as it expects further relaxations in border controls and travel restrictions.

"We have developed multiple draw options for the completion of the regular season," FFA's Head of Leagues Greg O'Rourke explained.

"All options commence with Victory taking on Western United at AAMI Park followed by a game between the table-topping Sydney FC against third-placed Wellington Phoenix at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium the following day."

A-League clubs will return to training from tomorrow after the completion of COVID-19 medical screenings and the implementation of operational plans to minimize the risk of infection at their training sites and club facilities.

If more restrictions are eased, clubs from Victoria, Queensland and South Australia could remain and play in their home cities rather than relocating to New South Wales (NSW) to complete the season.

O'Rourke said as rules for crowds in stadiums will change from July 1, the season could be completed with fans in the stands.

"We will continue to work closely with the federal and state governments, as well as our venues, to consider how we can accommodate as many club members and fans as possible at matches when the competition resumes."

Meanwhile, FFA will continue to work collaboratively with the competition's long-term partner and host broadcaster Fox Sports to secure broadcast arrangements.