The length of a shutdown, should it occur, will be dependent on a number of factors, including the latest government advice, with the worst case scenario possibility of the season even being voided altogether.
At the other end of the curve, there remains the option to stage the final five games of the regular season behind closed doors, but that is looking increasingly unpalatable in light of the onerous costs involved for already cash-strapped clubs.
Not to mention the fact it would be out of step with leagues across the world which have been largely locked down.
However, with the NRL chasing $200 million of a promised $1.7 billion government economic stimulus package to keep their competition active for the “mental health” of the nation, it’s likely the FFA would also want a slice of any sporting bailout contingency.
A coronavirus working committee, convened by FFA chief executive James Johnson, is meeting to discuss what steps to take, with a statement on the immediate fate of the A-League due for release late Sunday AEDT or possibly Monday.
The committee is comprised of FFA executives, members of the State Federations and the PFA.
A source close to the ruling body said: “(If the government were to weigh in with financial aid) you can’t support some sports and not all sports, or even some industries and not other industries.
“This situation is having massive knock-on effects - and the choice seems to come down to a decision on playing on behind closed doors or simply suspending the competition altogether.
“Financially, it’s massive and it’s hurting everybody but the health and safety of people and participants has to come first.”
The two-week self-isolation edict imposed by the New Zealand government on all those arriving in the country from 10pm on Sunday has effectively ended Wellington Phoenix’s home season.
Should the season go ahead, they’d be forced to base themselves in Australia for the duration.
While A-League players largely want to continue amid government instructions to cancel events which would attract over 500 people from Monday onwards, the source added: “You wouldn’t want to see games behind closed doors.
“It doesn’t look good - it’s not good for the players and there are significant expenses involved in staging games (with stadium rentals) and if you don’t have people coming through the gates buying tickets then you are losing income all the time.
“From a financial point of view it doesn’t make sense and from a public point of view it doesn’t make sense.
“The bottom line seems to be, on the advice of health authorities, cancel everything.
“The next month will be crucial in terms of shifting the curve of new cases ... so there are a lot of issues at play.
"There are health and safety, as well as financial and commercial considerations. And, overall, what’s good for the game.”
If the league is shuttered for any time, the issue of player contracts will need to be dealt with as many PFA player contracts expire at end on May 31, and would need to be extended.
The FFA would also take a huge hit were the season abandoned altogether with the loss of revenue from the finals series.
A decision also needs to be made on whether or not next weekend’s W-League final goes ahead.
