Football SA releases Return To Competitions Requirements

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Football SA has released its Return To Competitions Requirements after restrictions were eased in the state, to ensure a safe return to the field.

Football South Australia (SA) has released its Return To Competitions Requirements after restrictions were eased in the state, where a number of procedures and rules are put in place to ensure a safe return to the field.

Football SA has chosen June 25, 2020 as the date that sports can return, where the following rules and implementations must be kept consistent across each organisation.

The maximum number of players and officials allowed in the field of play at any time are 11 players for each team on the field, five players per team on the bench, two team officials per team, one medical person per team and four match officials.

For facilities with multiple fields, there is a limit of 100 spectators at the grounds. At a single field facility, the maximum number of spectators is 500.

Football SA is also asking players to refrain from group huddles, including when celebrating after a goal.

Changing rooms are allowed to be used, but participants are asked to use them quickly. A maximum of 19 people are allowed into the room at one time. Until further notice, shower facilities are to be avoided.

In the Return To Competitions Requirement media release, Football SA said that the measures put in place are the minimum expectations for a safe and sustainable return to competition.

“The impact of COVID-19 resulted in the suspension of all football activities in early March. Since this time, Football South Australia has been working with Government Departments to reboot the sport,” they said.

“The sport has been returned in a staged approach in line with government easing of restrictions to ensure the health and well-being of all participants. This document outlines the requirements to return the sport to competitions as of 25 June 2020. Details of competition start dates will be provided by Football SA or the Affiliated Association.

“The conditions set out in this document are in line with government directions as at the date of issue and are required to be implemented. This document and its conditions will be amended in accordance with any future government directives.”

Football SA’s Women’s NPLSA, Junior Premier, State and MiniRoos Leagues will resume from Friday June 26, 2020.

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APL and PFA remain without agreement as bargaining tensions continue

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Image Credit: A-Leagues

The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) and Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) remain without a new collective bargaining agreement, with negotiations continuing less than three months before the start of the 2026–27 A-Leagues season.

The APL presented the players’ union with a new one-year interim proposal on August 5, which included an increase to the A-League Women salary cap and a commitment to establish a pathway towards full-time professionalism for the women’s competition within 12 months.

The proposed agreement would provide an interim framework while the two parties continue discussions over a longer-term collective bargaining agreement.

APL chief executive Steve Rosich said the proposal reflected the league’s commitment to reaching a sustainable agreement with players following eight months of negotiations.

However, the PFA criticised the APL for publicly announcing the proposal shortly after presenting it to the union, arguing that the approach had further damaged trust between the two parties.

PFA Chief Executive Beau Busch also said players had overwhelmingly rejected the APL’s previous final offer, citing a lack of trust in the league’s ability to ensure its future.

Full-time professionalism for the A-League Women remains a key priority for the PFA, with players seeking improved conditions and greater investment in the competition.

The A-League Men and A-League Women seasons are both scheduled to begin on 16 October 2026.

With the new season approaching, both parties face pressure to resolve the dispute and establish the framework governing player conditions across the A-Leagues.

 

 

Jeff Bezos consortium set for $2.7 billion Liverpool investment

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Image Credits: Fortune

Liverpool could soon welcome one of the world’s richest men into its ownership structure.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is part of a consortium in advanced talks to buy a 30% stake in the club.

The proposed deal values Liverpool at around $8.6 billion (4.5 billion pounds). Bezos has a personal fortune estimated at $363 billion.

The investment would give Fenway Sports Group (FSG) a major financial return. It would also allow FSG to keep control of the club, which they bought in 2010.

The proposal has attracted attention across football. It has also created concern among sections of the Liverpool fanbase.

FSG set for major return

FSG bought Liverpool for $573 million (300 million pounds) in 2010. The ownership group later provided further funding through loans. In the last 16 years, the club has undergone major growth.

Liverpool ended a 30-year wait for a league title in 2020. The club also won the Champions League in 2019. Another Premier League title followed in 2025.

Stadium redevelopment and a new training centre have also increased the club’s value. FSG could cash in on $2.7 billion (1.4 billion pounds) if the 30% share is sold.

The deal would therefore represent a huge return on its original investment. However, whilst the investment would provide a massive cash out for the owners of Liverpool, due to Financial Fair Play there won’t be increased investment in the transfer market.

Why Bezos wants Liverpool

Bezos has explored sports investments before. He has been linked with major American franchises such as the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks.

Liverpool would give him a stake in one of football’s biggest global brands. The club also has a large following in the United States. The New York Times has also reported Liverpool has 26 million fans in America.

That makes the investment attractive for investors looking to expand their reach in global sport. American businessmen Eduardo Saverin and Amit Bhatia are also reportedly involved in the consortium.

The deal would add to the growing American influence across English football.

Fans remain cautious

Liverpool supporters have not automatically welcomed the proposal.

The club’s previous experience under Tom Hicks and George Gillett still influences the fanbase.

Supporters also want greater clarity over the consortium’s intentions. Questions remain over board representation, control and the long-term purpose of the investment.

For many fans, ownership must involve more than financial ambition. The Bezos proposal could strengthen Liverpool’s commercial position. It could also deliver a huge payday for FSG.

But until the consortium reveals more about its plans, supporters are likely to treat the deal with scepticism.

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