Wellington Phoenix cleared to travel to Australia for A-League restart

Sydney: Wellington Phoenix, the only A-League club based in New Zealand, has finally been cleared to travel to Australia and play out the rest of the season halted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Phoenix got a verbal clearance from A-League boss Greg O'Rourke Friday morning after the club made the bold move last night to book a charter flight for Sydney, departing on Saturday.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) formally confirmed the decision later in a statement.

"FFA today confirmed that Wellington Phoenix FC have received the requisite clearances to travel to Australia to commence a period of quarantine and training ahead of the A-League's resumption on July 16," it said. "Phoenix players, coaches, and staff completed their COVID-19 screenings in New Zealand earlier this week and will now travel to Australia on Saturday."

Upon arrival, all staff and player will undergo two weeks of quarantine before reuniting with Australia-based players and foreign players Ulises Davila and Gary Hooper. IANS

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