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Phoenix commit to A-League resumption

3 minute read

The Wellington Phoenix plan on having a full-strength squad to see out the A-League season in Australia, if the competition can go ahead.

The Wellington Phoenix say they're committed to quarantining in Australia with a full-strength squad if the A-League gets under way.

General manager David Dome was buoyed by Thursday's long-awaited agreement between the FFA, the A-League clubs and the PFA for the competition to resume in a Hub in mid-July.

However, the proposed month-long finish to the season still needs sign-off from broadcaster Fox Sports.

Dome said 23 players and 10 staff would cross the Tasman including two star imports - Mexican playmaker Ulises Davila and English striker Gary Hooper - who were both presently overseas.

He hoped it won't be problematic getting the pair to Australia.

"Both players have signalled their desire to come back and rejoin the group which we're really pleased with," Dome told NZME.

"There's a whole lot of uncertainty which makes it more difficult than it otherwise would be, including when we can get them back, getting them work visas for Australia and the issues around remuneration.

"Hopefully (the detail) will be worked out in the next week or so."

Dome said the players all committed to finishing the season and following the footsteps of NRL's Warriors, although for a significantly shorter period in Australia.

He will be watching negotiations with Fox Sports closely, with the broadcaster reportedly seeking a reduced deal for the next three seasons.

"I'm not close enough to those negotiations, they're being led by the A-League and FFA and the guys having those conversations are hopeful," Dome said.

"The NRL started last night and they've extended that agreement (until 2027).

"Hopefully the A-League is seen in the same way and they see value in Australasian football."

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