Phoenix off to Aussie in bid to win right to play at home
The Wellington Phoenix have been cleared to travel to Australia to resume their A-League season.
The Phoenix will travel to New South Wales today after a long process ended with clearance received yesterday to enter Australia.
Star import Ulises Davila is on his way to Australia from Mexico, while Gary Hooper has already arrived after travelling from the United Kingdom. Both will undergo a 14-day quarantine away from the rest of the players and staff in Sydney before joining the team.
Once in Australia, the Phoenix will be based at a secure facility in New South Wales in the month leading up to their first match, training for the first two weeks in a full isolation environment.
Wellington Phoenix general manager David Dome said the club is thrilled to get the chance to finish the season.
“It’s huge for us to see the season can resume. This is the best outcome for fans, sponsors, players and everyone involved in football across Australia and New Zealand.
“We are extremely grateful to Football Federation Australia, especially head of leagues Greg O’Rourke, New South Wales Border Control and New South Wales Department of Health authorities for all their efforts in gaining the club entry into Australia.”
Dome said the club had been anticipating a restart for some time and had worked hard behind the scenes to ensure everyone could hit the ground running once a decision was made.
“Plaudits have to go to our players for their commitment to finishing the season — they feel they have unfinished business and they can’t wait to go over there and rediscover that momentum we had back in March.
“With a full-strength, committed squad and the backing of New Zealand behind us, there’s no reason we can’t secure a top-three finish — and potentially a home semifinal in Wellington for the fans. That’s our goal.”
The Phoenix, third on the A-League ladder, four points behind second-placed Melbourne City with three games in hand, will take on leaders Sydney FC at Kogarah’s Jubilee Stadium on July 17.