The AFL has been suspended, the AFLW season is over with no champions crowned and the ability of Australia's other professional football codes to play on through the coronavirus pandemic appears increasingly untenable.
A dramatic Sunday began with the Federal Government recommending a ban on "non-essential" domestic travel, before several states announced they would implement shutdown procedures over the next 48 hours.
In response, AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said the 2020 season would be put on hold until at least May 31.
"We will review the situation by the end of April to determine whether a further suspension period would be required," McLachlan said.
"The decision by various state governments to close their borders, travel bans and other measures meant it was time for the AFL to immediately stop the AFLW and AFL competitions."
The remainder of the AFLW season has been abandoned, with no premiers to be named for the 2020 campaign.
The decision came hours after Victoria, NSW, Western Australia and South Australia all announced various shutdown measures would be enforced within the next couple of days.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison had earlier indicated professional sport was unlikely to be affected by his recommendation that people should avoid inter-state or long-distance travel unless for work, essential services or on compassionate grounds.
"I am not going to pre-empt those outcomes, but I am sure we can work those issues through on a practical case-by-case basis," Morrison said.
Speaking before New South Wales premier Gladys Berejiklian announced her own state's shutdown measures, ARL chairman Peter V'landys said a national cabinet meeting on Sunday night would go a long way to determining if the NRL plays into round three next weekend.
"If you listen to a lot of the rumours, it is going to be a challenge moving forward," V'landys told Triple M.
"Potential lockdowns in NSW and Victoria has been mentioned, suburbs being locked down has also been out there.
"This changes hourly and decisions we make today could change tomorrow. Tonight is a vital meeting for us moving forward."
The league has chartered a plane to take teams around the country, lessening the chance of players and staff being exposed to the virus while travelling.
The A-League had been expected to announce more rescheduled fixtures, possibly on Sunday, as the draw is condensed in an attempt to get the season completed as soon as possible.
Among the matches likely to be shifted is Sydney FC's game against Brisbane, which is set to be brought forward to Wednesday from Saturday.
Perth have agreed to give up a home game, and face Western Sydney, Adelaide and Wellington in the space of eight or nine days to complete their fixtures.
But whether the league continues beyond this weekend is yet to be confirmed.
AAP
