Auckland FC’s final A-league game of 2025 postponed

Auckland FC's A-League game against Sydney FC has been postponed due to an "unsatisfactory" pitch. Photo / Getty Images

By RNZ

Auckland FC’s final A-League game of 2025 has been postponed after the Sydney pitch was deemed to be in “unsatisfactory condition”.

The top-of-the-table clash between league-leaders Auckland and second-placed Sydney FC scheduled to be played at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday will now be played later in the season.

Ground staff at Leichhardt Oval changed the field of play from a winter to summer grass following Sydney FC’s last match against Melbourne Victory on November 22.

A pitch inspection on Monday found the playing surface to be in an unsatisfactory condition, with large patches of sand and mud, and it has been declared unsafe for play, according to the Australian Professional Leagues (APL).

The game will be rescheduled with a date yet to be confirmed.

“We understand that weather and other factors can impact pitch maintenance and repairs, but for Leichhardt Oval to be unplayable and to be given little notice is unacceptable,” APL chair Stephen Conroy said.

“It’s frustrating that football has to bear the burden of these pitch management issues. It’s simply not good enough, and our game and our fans deserve better.

“We need venues, local councils and state governments to invest more into better management and the upgrade of venues to ensure the highest-quality conditions for our players and fans.

“We will continue to push this across our leagues and support the club for this fixture.”

Conroy acknowledged the fixture change would “inconvenience many”.

“For that we apologise. It is imperative that we have the best possible playing surface to ensure quality football, player safety and the most entertaining product for our fans.”

Auckland FC had been due to fly to Sydney on Christmas Day.