Football Federation Australia (FFA) today acknowledged the Australian Olympic Committee’s (AOC) communications that athletes should prepare for a Tokyo Olympic Games in the northern summer of 2021, due to the evolving COVID-19 situation globally.
The AOC’s advice came after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced a potential postponement of this year’s Games, and changes in the public health landscape both in Australia and internationally.
FFA supports the AOC and IOC to make a final decision in the coming days or weeks regarding the Tokyo Games which ensures athlete welfare and that football can continue to act as a good and responsible citizen in collective efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 both domestically and abroad.
The FFA will also continue to work with all relevant parties including FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) as to the implications of such a decision.
Australia’s two eligible football teams – the Australian U-23 men’s national football team and the Matildas – secured qualification for the Tokyo Games earlier in January and March this year respectively.
When the dates of a potentially rescheduled Tokyo Games are known, FFA will work with its national teams unit and the AOC to plan the best possible preparations for its sides.
Until that time, FFA together with Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) will continue to offer support and assistance to footballers nationally and internationally subject to their individual situations and the effects that they may be experiencing due to the COVID-19 situation.
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