Wanderers join Glory, Mariners in player stand-down

Western Sydney Wanderers are reportedly the latest A-League club to stand down players without pay in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

Mitchell Duke reacts after a Western Sydney Wanderers match Source: Getty Images

Players, staff and coaches were informed of the club's decision on Tuesday night and were encouraged to take any accrued annual or sick leave in the absence of their monthly salary.

"At this point we advise that due to the current COVID-19 pandemic there is no business being operated and there is no revenue stream for the club to be able to pay salaries," Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas wrote to the players, according to ESPN sources.

The Wanderers are now the third A-League club to carry out such measures, joining Perth Glory and the Central Coast Mariners, with more set to follow.

As reported by The World Game, Brisbane Roar are believed to be the next domino to fall to the virus, with the Adelaide Advertiser also confirming United's imminent announcement.

"These are unprecedented and extremely difficult times for the sport and our nearly 2 million participants across the country," FFA CEO James Johnson said in a statement on Tuesday.

"I ask that we approach our challenges with empathy and engage in open dialogue and meaningful collaboration.

"Most people would not have predicted the devastating impact caused by COVID-19 to human health and the economy.

"The pandemic continues to have a profound impact on our game, just like other industries and business in Australia and around the globe.

"What we must begin to realise is that everything has shifted around us and we now operate in a different landscape to what we were used to.

"For our game to come through this successfully, we need to approach our current circumstances in a different way."