Last week, the Victorian Government issued a statement with which it practically paved the way for all official tournaments around the state to pick up from where they left off before the coronavirus restrictions came into effect.
A few days after that, the Victorian Football Federation (Football Victoria) released its own guidelines for how players and teams would be able to resume training, with a follow-up announcement late on Tuesday night stating that the target date for the NPL to resume was in early July.
However things aren’t that simple, with the effects of the coronavirus still being felt throughout the semi-professional football industry.
More specifically, after a teleconferences held last week, the majority of the clubs participating in the Victorian National Premier League did not agree to restart the season as they appear unable to cope with the financial burden of the league.
The teams would be forced to participate in the competition without their fans, which means that they would not be receiving any income from ticket sales, while at the same time sponsorships have dried up – another massive blow.
At the time of writing, only South Melbourne, Green Gully, Hull City and the Eastern Lions appear willing to enter the pitch.
Speaking to Neos Kosmos, Bentleigh Greens chairperson Kostas Bios pointed out that “things are rather difficult right now, more so for us who as semi-professional football clubs our main source of revenue comes from ticket sales and the canteen”.
The short statement by Heidelberg United coach George Katsakis was on the same wavelength, with the Greek-Australian pointing out that without the presence of the fans his club will surely not be participating in the league.
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Yet the final word on whether to resume the season or not belongs to the local councils.
South Melbourne and Green Gully were the first two clubs to show that they were willing to resume the season, followed by newcomers Eastern Lions, while it wouldn’t be completely out of the question to see even more joining their side in the coming days.
South Melbourne Club’s team manager Andrew Messourouni had this to say: “South is a historic club within Australian football and as such it doesn’t really have any other option. It is our duty towards our fans and our sponsors. I understand the difficulties, but if all have a little faith then I’m certain we’ll find a way. I hope and wish the solution will be found so that the league can continue. We all miss it and we all really need it.”
On the other end, the South Melbourne chair Nick Maikousis stressed that all clubs should put the well-being of the sport as a top priority and adopt a positive stance at this crucial juncture for the future of the league.
“It would be disastrous to not complete the season. It is my opinion that most players and training staff will have cutbacks, just like it is happening all across the world,” he said.
“Additionally, if we need to, we can use players from our youth squad. I also feel that if there’s no relegation then that would pave the way to resume the season as all clubs will be relieved from the stress.
“I remain optimistic that all clubs that don’t want to play will change their opinion in the coming days.”
The CEO of Football Victoria, Peter Filopoulos was also open to holding the season with no relegation pointing out that it is matter open to discussion.
Another scenario that doesn’t appear too likely to occur wants the four NPL teams participating in the second division (NPL2) in order to complete the season, after heavy pressure by Foxtel towards the FFA to resume the FFA Cup.
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What do the players think?
At the same time, the semi-professional footballers have expressed their desire for the season to go on, even if it means that they’ll receive pay deductions.
Greek-Australian Bentleigh Greens midfielder John Georgopoulos has decided to spend the lockdown period in Brisbane so that he could be with his family, continuing his daily training routine so that he could remain in peak physical condition.
“I want to play football. I don’t think there’s any player that doesn’t want to. This is our job. The teams are in a very difficult position and I feel that a solution needs to be found soon so that both parties can be satisfied,” Georgopoulos told Neos Kosmos.
A similar feeling was shared by the only visa holder in the entire league, Kostas Stratomitros:
“I’m ready, waiting for a call-up from my team to begin training. The last couple of months I’ve been training with my teammate and friend Perry Lambropoulos every day, hoping the time soon comes when we enter the pitch.
On my behalf, I also understand the financial issue caused by the pandemic, which is why I would also be willing to accept a pay cut so that the season could be completed.”
Things are looking a little bit brighter in the lower categories of the NPL as all clubs seem to be in agreement to complete the season.
* Adapted by Alex Anyfantis