The Wellington Phoenix's stay in Wollongong may not yet last the entire A-League season, after New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's announcement of a travel bubble with Australia is being discussed.
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Ardern said moves were underway to reopen the airports between the two nations, after Covid-19 shutdowns forced the Phoenix into a pre-season training base in Wollongong.
They will play all home games at WIN Stadium, starting in round two against Sydney FC on January 2, until details of a return to New Zealand have been finalised.
"It is our intention to name a date ... in the new year once remaining details are locked down," Ardern said on Monday.
Ardern said the opening of the bubble was contingent on Australia's cabinet signing off on it, and there being no further COVID-19 outbreaks.
The Phoenix, in a statement, said they will evaluate the prospect of a home as more information becomes available.
"The Wellington Phoenix will assess the likelihood of re-locating the team back to New Zealand during the 2020/21 season, should a quarantine-free, two-way corridor open up between New Zealand and Australia early next year," it read.
"This follows the New Zealand Prime Minister's post cabinet press conference this afternoon, where the possibility of a trans-Tasman travel bubble with Australia - tentatively set for the first quarter of 2021 - was discussed."
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Tim Barrow
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
