Canberra United's A-League Women match against Sydney FC this weekend has been postponed due to a player shortage crisis. The round five fixture, scheduled for Saturday afternoon at McKellar Park, was called off late Wednesday after Sydney FC requested a reschedule.
The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) confirmed that Sydney FC made the request due to several players being unavailable, including those on international duty and injuries. Canberra United also has three players absent for national team commitments, including captain Michelle Heyman.
Under APL policy, a match can be rescheduled if a club has four or more players called up to international duty. Sydney FC currently has seven players unavailable, while Canberra United has three, which does not meet the threshold. However, United agreed to the postponement.
Both clubs are now working with the APL to find a new date for the match. Canberra United stated that they are liaising with the APL, Sydney FC, and relevant partners to confirm the rescheduled time in the coming days.
This postponement leaves Melbourne Victory's home game against Perth Glory on Sunday as the only fixture this round. Three other A-League Women matches had already been rescheduled earlier due to international call-ups.
Canberra United's next scheduled match is away against Melbourne Victory next Friday night. The club had been aiming for their first back-to-back victory this season after a 3-0 win at home last weekend.
