FOOTBALL PLANS FOR RETURN

FNQ Football and the region’s clubs could start to feel a hefty economic pinch if leagues can’t start on May 9.

Zone administrator Alex Srhoj’s admission casts some concern over the future of the most popularly played clubbased sport in the country.

The sports shutdown caused by the spread of COVID-19 and restrictions brought in to fight and limit the spread of the coronavirus has affected only the senior competition to date.

While juniors were set to play carnivals this month, it is the senior Premier Leagues and FFA Cup which have been placed in a holding pattern.

In a meeting between the zone and clubs on Tuesday night, a tentative plan was made for a return to training from April 15 and a new season’s starting date of May 9. Kick-off on that date would extend the season into October.

Of course, that plan is fluid and entirely dependent on the spread of COVID-19 and health and medical advice, as well as the direction of Football Federation Australia and Football Queensland.

Srhoj said a long-term suspension of competition could hurt clubs, as well as the zone.

“We’ve got power costs, staff, and maintenance expenses for Endeavour Park; they don’t stop,” Srhoj said.

“Those things might be reduced but not for a four or five week suspension, we need to keep up maintenance. The costs will stack up.”

But the flow-on effect to clubs will be substantial during the shutdown.

“Smaller clubs have a smaller base of players as it is and they’ll lack that economic turnover,” Srhoj said. “Hopefully we can get back on the park in May.”

Srhoj and the FNQ clubs will remain positive throughout the shutdown, as they eagerly await a return to football.

During the announcement of the A-League’s suspension yesterday, FFA CEO James Johnson said that when the ALeague returned, it was likely FFA Cup games could proceed.

That affects Southside Comets and Edge Hill United, who were set to play the regional qualifier last week.