27 games in 28 days - Australian A-League set for July restart with sprint finish

Australia's A-League is set to resume on July 16 with a Melbourne derby followed by 27 games in a 28-day period after players agreed a pay deal and the union and clubs agreed to extend the league to August 31.

The league has been suspended since March because of the coronavirus pandemic and players and clubs have taken a financial hit.

With COVID-19 restrictions easing, FFA''s head of leagues Greg O''Rourke was confident crowds would be allowed back into stadiums at some stage after the season resumes.

Two possible schedules have been drawn up for remaining matches.

Under one, all 11 clubs will be based at a hub in New South Wales state and will play matches in Sydney and Newcastle while under a second option clubs in Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne will be able to play matches at home if border restrictions are eased.

The New Zealand-based Wellington Phoenix will be based near Sydney after undergoing a mandatory 14-day quarantine.

The national soccer league is the last of Australia''s four professional football competitions to restart after the pandemic.