ALBURY City's FC inclusion in Football Wagga's first grade men's competition has been thrown into serious doubt after the NSW government strongly recommended people avoid travelling to and from border towns unless it's essential.
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The club had only last week been given the green light to join the Pascoe Cup for this year only after coronavirus forced Albury-Wodonga Football Association to cancel its season.
Football Wagga president Tony Dobbin said Albury City's round one clash against Tolland in Wagga this Sunday won't go ahead with both teams agreeing to officially deem it a draw.
However, they won't make a decision on whether Albury City competes in the competition until they know how long the new restrictions will be in place.
"We have to take this into account. We've indicated to Albury City we have to look at what the options are now, if any," Dobbin said.
"Albury City have said they understand that and are aware there's a risk of them not playing. We haven't made a decision because we're still looking for clarity on things, but certainly at this point in time the premier's announcement is foremost in our minds.
"The thing that's unknown is for what period of time (the restrictions are in place). Among the considerations we have is it could only be a week or two (so we could adjust Albury City's draw), or are these restrictions going to be in place for many weeks."
A couple of Pascoe Cup coaches raised concerns to The Daily Advertiser on the risks associated with Albury City playing games in their towns after two new coronavirus cases were reported in Albury on Monday.
Dobbin met with Henwood Park on Tuesday night to reassure them everything had been put in place to ensure everyone was safe, but the government's announcement on Thursday had changed the situation.
"Albury City have been very cooperative but we've got a precautionary principle and we don't want to risk anybody's health," Dobbin said.
"All of us are very health conscious and we won't put anybody at risk.
"The goalposts have changed, we have to take that into account, but also not throw the baby out with the bath water (and rule out Albury City out immediately).
"They won't be playing this weekend. How long that lasts for, we have to wait for how things unfold. We have to take into account the premiers' request, and that's the way we're moving."
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