
In an email sent out to clubs in the state, Football Victoria have confirmed the NPL and other senior community competitions will not proceed as planned.
FV released a set of return dates for its competitions last month, with the NPL senior competitions supposed to kick off on the weekend of July 25/26.
This will now not be the case.
“Senior metropolitan competitions (NPL and community) will not proceed or resume as fixtures, with alternative competitions and football options over the spring and summer to be discussed with clubs on an opt-in basis,” FV said in the email.
The FFA Cup, NIKE F.C. Cup and Dockerty Cup have also been cancelled, alongside competitions such as State League Men and Women, Metro League and Masters League.
Football Victoria claim Junior NPL competitions can go ahead in a revised form, with the governing body hopeful of a September restart (subject to government restrictions).
FV has similar ambitions for other junior community competitions to re-commence in September, with clubs able to opt-in if appropriate.
In regards to regional football, the federation stated: “Football Victoria Community football junior season can proceed in Greater Geelong and other Regional areas as fixture – senior contact training and competition is suspended at this stage pending further DHHS advice.
Regional associations will determine the make-up of their junior seasons.
Football Victoria’s decision to announce a series of changes to its competition structures comes after the Victorian Government’s decision to reinstate lockdown restrictions, due to a rising amount of active COVID-19 cases.
FV indicated a 2020 fee policy was being finalised, which is set to be based on cost apportionments principles. The federation highlighted that the “viability of 355 clubs and football in Victoria (was) an important consideration.”