Brendan Lines March 13, 2020

Tonight Australian Football League CEO Gillion McLachlan announced AFL and AFLW matches will not permit fans to attend matches due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan Image : AFL.com

The decision comes after talks with medical authorities across federal, state and territory Officers from 7am today, for the health and well-being of all involved.

“I am disappointed for our fans but we cannot put them in a situation that potentially jeopardises the health and well-being of the whole community,” McLachlan said.

The 2020 AFL season opener Richmond v Carlton at the MCG and the rest of the season will go ahead from Thursday night closed to the public.

The Geelong v North Melbourne AFLW match originally scheduled for tonight, March 13, will go ahead—but fans may choose to attend.

Going forward all AFLW matched will be closed to the public also.

Given the very fluid situation McLachlan said the decision may be revisited as the season progresses through the pandemic.

“We have said from the outset that we will rely on the advice of the medical experts who have been planning to deal with this situation for some time and we will continue to make decisions based on the advice of the Chief Medical Officers,” he said.

This could mean that the current schedule of matches may change as the AFL looks at fixture alternatives to ensure both AFL and AFLW seasons are completed.

The addition of games to bye rounds or mid-week ‘catch-up’ games may be an option.

Before today’s decision the AFL indicated that it would prefer to play all scheduled matches as part of its contingency, in order to honour major broadcasting contracts.

Players have signaled they are flexible to move with the AFL’sdecision, McLachlan says the league will offer support to the clubs.

“We will continue to provide clubs with protocols to assist with the health and safety of players, officials and supporters. As I said, the situation is fluid and the protocols will be updated regularly to reflect this.” he said.