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Ex-Asian champions Western Sydney lay off squad, staff: reports
SYDNEY, April 1, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Former Asian football champions Western
Sydney Wanderers have joined other A-League clubs by temporarily laying off
their squad and staff, reports said on Wednesday, as the coronavirus shutdown
takes a heavy toll on sport.
The Wanderers, who won the AFC Champions League in 2014, follow the lead of
fellow top-flight clubs Perth Glory and Central Coast Mariners, with Brisbane
Roar expected to follow suit, Australian media said.
Fairfax and News Corp newspapers both said the Wanderers had put their
entire squad and staff on unpaid leave until April 22, when the A-League is
to examine when or if the season can continue.
The 11-team A-League was one of the last football competitions still
standing worldwide until it was finally suspended last week as Australia
tightened its measures against the coronavirus.
On Friday, Football Federation Australia sent home 70 percent of its staff
as it wrestles with the sudden loss of income.
And on Saturday, Australia’s footballers’ union threatened legal action
against Perth Glory after their players’ pay was stopped.
The Wanderers and the A-League were not immediately available to comment.
BSS/AFP/GMR/1040 hrs