Virus hits world dream
Aussie reps’ trip to US postponed
THE junior world championship hopes of Gold Coast Stingrays gridiron trio Aidan Dobosch, Max Cussen and Kane Mackin are on hold following a decision to postpone the under-19 showpiece due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Wide receiver Dobosch, defensive back Cussen and defensive lineman Mackin were due to line up for Australia at the July 5-16 titles in Ohio but the International Federation of American Football has indefinitely postponed the event. IFAF managing director Andy Fuller said the outbreak had forced a rescheduling of the under-19 titles as well as the Flag Football World Championships.
“This difficult decision has been made not only in the interest of the health and safety of players, officials and supporters but also in regard to the financial and organisational interests of the competing nations, players and the hosts,” Fuller said.
“With any global event both the competing nations and the hosts require reasonable time in advance to make preparations and to be able to make those preparations with a degree of certainty that the event will proceed as planned.
“Any significant changes closer to the event can have a disproportionate effect for all parties, particularly financially.
“IFAF is committed to working to deliver both global championships and will explore alternative plans for both events as a matter of priority. Nations will be kept informed during this process.
It is understood the Gridiron Australia National Championship, to be held in Gosford in NSW from May 29 to June 7, will go ahead as planned at this stage.
Other events threatened by the outbreak are the Socceroos’ World Cup qualifying matches against Kuwait and Nepal this month.
The Asian Football Confederation will seek a meeting with FIFA to discuss the status of World Cup qualifiers for March and June.
The Socceroos are set to play Kuwait in Perth on March 26 and Nepal in Kathmandu on March 31.