The A-League has ditched its controversial grand final deal with the NSW government, replacing it with ‘Unite Round’ where every club will play in Sydney across one weekend in January next year.
The new round, which is set to replicate the NRL’s Magic Round and AFL’s Gather Round, will see each team in the A-League Men and A-League Women play across three venues over three days in the Harbour City.
CommBank Stadium in Parramatta, Moore Park’s Allianz Stadium and Leichhardt Oval in Sydney’s inner-west will host a dozen fixtures between Friday January 12 and Sunday January 14 next year.
As a result, both the ALM and ALW grand finals will revert to the traditional system whereby the highest-qualifying team is rewarded with hosting rights.
The decision to sell hosting rights to the grand finals to Destination NSW as part of a three-year, $12million deal was met with derision by fans when it was announced.
The A-League has ditched its controversial grand final deal with the NSW government, replacing it with ‘Unite Round’ where every club will play in Sydney across one weekend in January next year (pictured, A-Leagues CEO, Danny Townsend)
A portion of football fans were furious with the announcement last December, and some stormed the field at AAMI Park to protest in a dark day for the code (pictured, Melbourne City Tom Glover after he was attacked by a fan with a bucket)
In scenes which generated unwanted global headlines, fans stormed the pitch at AAMI Park to protest the APL’s decision
Fans held protests and the tension spilled over onto the pitch, causing the Melbourne derby on December 17 to be postponed after a pitch invasion.
‘We have worked closely with our clubs and fans to ensure that there are suitable constructive mechanisms for the voices of fans to be heard,’ Australian Professional Leagues chief executive Danny Townsend said.
‘Many of the resulting conversations have included the hosting of the grand finals, and the strong sentiments around that.
‘We thank Destination NSW and Premier Chris Minns for their partnership in creating a truly inclusive experience for our game.’
Unite Round will see an extra round on the ALM calendar, but the ALW will remain at a 22-round season.
The A-League men’s competition starts on Friday, October 20 when Adelaide host Central Coast at Hindmarsh Stadium from 7.45pm.
