16 Mar Victory stranded in New Zealand as A-League announce COVID-19 measures

Melbourne Victory will remain in New Zealand to self-isolate for the next 14 days.

It comes as the New Zealand government tightened their border restrictions in the wake of the global coronavirus outbreak.

The Victory slumped to a 3-0 loss to Wellington Phoenix on Sunday and won’t be allowed to return to Australia after the government's midnight Sunday cut-off announcement was made just before kick off.

Star striker and club captain Ola Toivonen voiced his frustration, claiming they were “promised” by the Australian government that they return to Australia by Monday.

“Unique/bizarre situation here in NZ. Friday we were promised, by the Australian government, that there would be no ramifications returning to Australia on Monday. Looking at 14 days quarantine now,” Toivonen wrote on Twitter.

Football Federation CEO James Johnson confirmed the A-League and W-League seasons will continue behind closed doors.

The Phoenix will be relocated to Sydney for the next six weeks and spend the next 14 days in self-isolation.

Their Upcoming away matches against Sydney FC on Wednesday and the Newcastle Jets on Sunday will be rescheduled.

Victory's next two fixture sagainst the Brisbane Roar and the Perth Glory have also been postponed.