After weeks of lockdown, Football NSW have formally cancelled all 2021 NPL competitions.
In a statement released earlier this week, the organisation reinforced the difficult situation of the state and their need to accept the reality of discontinuing football competitions for this year.
“Given the current Public Health Order will remain in force until at least midnight 28 August 2021, given our discussions and briefings with various Government agencies over recent days, the daily updates from the Premier, the Minister for Health and the Chief Medical Officer, and understandably, there being no Government sanctioned roadmap out of the lockdown for sport, the Football NSW Board was left with no option but to cancel our Competitions,” Football NSW said.
Football NSW also made the decision to make this year’s competitions null and void.
“No Premiers or Champions titles, trophies, medals or prize money will be awarded for any of the 2021 NSW Competitions.”
This decision has drastic implications on a variety of clubs among the NPL structure, including Sydney Olympic.
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Olympic went into the lockdown fifth on the NPL Men’s 1 ladder with 24 points, after completing 17 of 22 rounds. The Club’s women’s team stood in at first place in NPL Women’s 1 division with 26 points after 12 rounds.
The men’s team would have placed fourth due to points deductions suffered by Rockdale and Sydney United for fan violence earlier in the season.
The Blues would have been strong contenders to feature in the finals series in multiple competitions.
Football NSW gave thanks to all participants of the various competitions and look to 2022.
“Football NSW would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank everyone – our players, coaches and technical staff, match officials and volunteers – for their contribution to our Competitions this season, and for your cooperation and assistance to the Football NSW staff during this difficult time…We will be back bigger than ever, until then stay safe.”