Confirmed: Phoenix heading to Sydney to continue Hyundai A-League Finals Series push

Wellington Phoenix will be able to train during their self-isolation period after the club confirmed they will travel to Sydney on Wednesday in an attempt to complete the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 Season.

Phoenix officials delayed plans to travel to Australia on Tuesday over concerns they would not be able to train during their mandatory 14-day isolation.

But after extensive consultation with the FFA and state-based health officials in Australia, Phoenix were cleared to be able to train during the self-isolation period.

Every member of Wellington Phoenix’s playing and coaching staff will now travel to Sydney on Wednesday and enter their isolation period, before resuming their campaign next month.

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FFA have confirmed the remainder of the regular season will go ahead, but with all matches to be played behind closed doors in Australia, meaning Phoenix will not return to New Zealand until after the end of the campaign, unless the situation changes.

“The decision to travel to Sydney in an attempt to complete this season, was made as a club,” Phoenix General Manager David Dome said.

“We have discussed this amongst ourselves, consulted with health professionals and government bodies in Australia and New Zealand and taken all possible precautions to ensure those travelling are given the best protection possible.

“We are also conscious that the situation is constantly evolving and it may all change again tomorrow, but we are making this decision with the best information we have available at this time.

“As things have continued to evolve rapidly over the past few days, all options have been investigated and it became apparent that suspension of the Hyundai A-League was never an option.”

Dome revealed all players and staff were given the option of not travelling if they felt unsafe.

“The club also recognises the impact that this will have on players and football operations’ families,” he said.

“A number of support measures are being put in place to assist them during this time.”

Phoenix are currently on course for their best-ever finish in the Hyundai A-League, currently sitting in third spot, four points ahead of fourth-place Brisbane Roar.

Phoenix’s vest-ever finish in the Hyundai A-League was fourth back in the 2014/15 Season.

Ufuk Talay’s side could push for a top-two berth, just one point behind second-place Melbourne City ad with a game in hand.

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