A NEWCASTLE Jet and his family are self isolating after the A-League player tested positive to COVID-19.
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It is understood that the player did not have any symptoms, and only became aware he had the virus on Friday. He had been tested earlier in the week in preparation for travel.
Other players and staff have been directed to closely monitor their health and will be required to self isolate if they develop symptoms.
The Jets released a statement on Saturday afternoon confirming the diagnosis.
"The player and his family are in good health, and currently in quarantine in accordance with NSW Health protocols," the statement said. "The health and well being of our players, officials and the wider community remains our highest priority in this difficult time."
Football Federation Australia said they would work with the Jets ensure that they receive they support they need.
The positive test is believed to be the first case involving a professional sports person in Australia.
Jets players attended a team meeting on Thursday but have not trained together since the A-League was suspended on Tuesday morning.
The players and staff initially went into self isolation as a precaution, but advice from the Public Health Unit determined they were not required to do so unless they developed symptoms.
"All players and staff beyond the player have been checked for their risks and will be overseen, and guided, by the team medical staff as they liaise directly with the Public Health Unit," the Jets statement said.
The Jets beat Melbourne City 2-1 behind closed doors at McDonald Jones Stadium the previous night.
The win over City followed a 1-0 loss to Brisbane at the Gold Coast on Friday March 20
Melbourne City were notified of the positive test and have advised their players.
The Jets introduced strict protocols three weeks ago to lessen the risk of contracting the virus.
The administration staff have been working from home. The players were given strict guidelines on travel, hand sanitisation and social distancing.
A member of the Wellington Phoenix coaching staff is also believed to have tested positive to COVID-19.
As of 8pm Friday, there were 167 confirmed cases in the Hunter New England local health district. Of those infected, five are in hospital with two in intensive care units.
The FFA are hoping the virus flattens and will review the situation on April 22, with a view to the possibly restarting the league.
The chances of that appear remote now.
In a further fall out from pandemic, Perth Glory owner Tony Sage has stood down the squad without pay.
Players union, Professional Footballers Australia slammed the move and will take legal action if Sage proceeds and served a letter of demand seeking the players' immediate reinstatement.
In the event the players are not reinstated, the PFA will initiate legal proceedings against Tony Sage seeking their reinstatement and the imposition of significant fines in excess of $600,000, pursuant to the Fair Work Act.
With the A-League suspended, clubs are concerned that Foxtel will not pay the next installment of their annual grant which is due on April 15 and covers the players' wages.
"The players acknowledge that everybody in Australia is facing a collective challenge as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic," PFA Chief Executive John Didulica said. "In times like this, our community needs leadership and, from the perspective of football, a commitment to collaboratively rebuilding our sport.
"The PFA continues to call for a collective solution to address our game's challenges, as has been the approach adopted by the AFL and sporting bodies around the world. However, Tony has shown his preference for unilateral, reckless and unlawful action.
"A fortnight ago, it was fine to relocate players to the east coast away from their families and expose them to a global pandemic. Now, when the opportunity arises, it is considered acceptable to stop paying them. These are not the traits of a sport that values its people.
"We are positioned to take the same course of action if any other A-League club owner elects to take this course of action in contravention of both the law and the sports broader needs at this time."
