Football Australia can announce the details surrounding the final three (3) FFA Cup 2021 Round of 32 matches yet to be played.
With the FFA Cup Final Rounds Play Off matches now scheduled for Saturday, 13 November between Western United FC and Newcastle Jets, and Wednesday, 24 November between Perth Glory FC and Melbourne Victory, Football Australia are in a position to confirm the details for the following Round of 32 matches.
The winner of Perth Glory FC v Melbourne Victory will face current National Premier Leagues (NPL) South Australia Champions Adelaide City, with the match being scheduled for Marden Sports Complex in Adelaide on Wednesday, 1 December 2021 with a kick-off time of 7:30pm local (8pm AEDT).
Meanwhile, the winner of Western United FC v Newcastle Jets will gain hosting rights and face fellow Isuzu UTE A- League Men outfit Wellington Phoenix on Tuesday, 7 December 2021, with the venue and kick-off time to be confirmed.
Football Australia can confirm that Devonport Strikers have advised competition organisers that they are regrettably withdrawing from the FFA Cup 2021 tournament.
The NPL Tasmania side were set to face Victorian outfit Avondale FC in the Round of 32, however COVID related border closures and associated restrictions, when combined with other factors, mean Devonport were unable to take to the field for the proposed match date made by Football Australia.
Football Australia wishes to commend Devonport Strikers for their willingness and ongoing cooperation towards their FFA Cup fixture. The FFA Cup draw was conducted prior to the Delta variant outbreak across Australia and unfortunately, with the competition commencing in early September, there was no ability to amend the Final Rounds draw outcome.
We have been a regular participant in the FFA Cup and are very aware the prestige that the FFA Cup holds, however COVID-related border restrictions, when combined with other factors, meant regrettably we need to withdraw from the Round of 32 tie,” a Devonport Strikers spokesperson said.
“We believe by removing ourselves from the competition and allowing Avondale to proceed to the Round of 16 will provide the best outcome in allowing Football Australia to move forward and close out the competition in a timely manner under the extreme circumstances of 2021.”
Avondale FC, who were the Strikers’ opponents for the Round of 32 match, will be awarded a bye for the Round of 32 and automatically qualify for the Round of 16.
Football Australia will be able to confirm the Round of 16 South and East Zone fixtures next week, with the Live Draw for the next stage of the competition being held on Monday 15 November. More details will be published on www.theffacup.com.au.
