Following the government’s decision to extend COVID-19 Alert Level 4 status across New Zealand until 11:59pm on Friday 27 August, and 11:59pm on Tuesday 31 August for the Auckland region, New Zealand Football can confirm that all community football and futsal across the country, plus the National League and regional competitions, will continue to be suspended this weekend (August 28/29, 2021). 

While only the Auckland region is confirmed to be at Alert Level 4 for the weekend, the short period between any potential change in Alert Levels does not allow sufficient time for players to get ready to return to play as well as for grounds to be prepared to host matches. 

Daniel Farrow, General Manager, Football at New Zealand Football said:

“Unfortunately the extension of the Alert Level 4 lockdown means that games this weekend just aren’t possible. The combined factors of players needing time to regain fitness ahead of competitions, plus councils and ground owners having to get pitches into a match-ready state, means we aren’t able to play even if all areas outside of Auckland do drop Alert Level on Friday night.”

At Alert Level 4 all football and futsal activity is suspended across the country. In the coming days New Zealand Football will be issuing guidance on what impact the current lockdown is likely to have up on the upcoming National League Championship as well as yet to be completed competitions. 

For information on what activity is permitted at Alert Level 4 please visit Sport NZ’s website. New Zealand Football will be publishing football and futsal specific return to play guidance when Alert Level changes allow activity to resume.