Brisbane Roar players have been given a small boost in their hectic match schedule over the coming weeks with the Asian Football Confederation today agreeing to a request to push back by 24 hours the club’s AFC Champions League game against South Korea’s Suwon Bluewings.
The match was scheduled for Tuesday, 17 March, at Gold Coast Stadium but will now be played on Wednesday, 18 March, at the same venue, AFC Executive Director (competitions division) Shin Man Gil confirmed today.
Kick off remains unchanged at 7.30pm.
Brisbane Roar applied to the AFC, through Football Federation Australia, for the change of date to give its players the usual minimum three days’ rest after their scheduled Hyundai A-League game against Western Sydney Wanderers at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, 8 March.
The Roar has a brutal schedule of matches over the next two weeks.
After playing the Glory in Perth tomorrow night, the Roar fly to Japan on Sunday to play Urawa Red Diamonds in an AFC Champions League match on Wednesday. They then leave Japan on Thursday, arriving in Brisbane on Friday morning to begin preparations for the Western Sydney clash.
Following that game, the Roar play Suwon, now on the Wednesday, followed by a tough Hyundai A-League clash with Sydney FC four days later.
“Common sense has prevailed and we appreciate the AFC’s understanding on this matter,” said Roar Football Director Ken Stead.
“Playing two matches within two days of each other is not only tough for the players but the risk of injury when playing fatigued skyrockets. The extra 24 hours rest will be invaluable.”
Tickets already purchased for the previous date will remain valid for the Wednesday, 18 March game. Patrons unable to attend on the new date can get a refund through Ticketek.
The Roar began its campaign with a stoppage time 0-1 loss to Chinese Super League side Beijing Guoan last Wednesday.
The Roar hosts Urawa on Tuesday, May 5, while their away schedule also includes matches on 8 April (Suwon) and 21 April (Beijing).
Pre-purchased tickets to the Roar’s AFC Champions League Group Stage games are just $10 (adults) and $5 (children).
The ticket price includes free train travel to and from Robina. Gold Coast-based fans can also travel free to the game on Surfside bus routes, trains and the G-Link tram.
Tickets are available now through Ticketek.
