Coronavirus leads Canberra United to halt W-League coach search

Capital Football boss Phil Brown has been in contact with a shortlist of candidates in the hunt for the W-League coaching job left vacant by Heather Garriock.

But face-to-face interviews have fallen by the wayside after social distancing measures came into effect to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Former Matildas mentor Tom Sermanni has been linked to the job alongside the likes of Antoni Jagarinec, Njegosh Popovich, Alex Epakis and Ash Sykes.

"We've deferred the appointment of the coach, not because of any particular impact to the league," Brown said.

MORE CANBERRA SPORT

"It's more so to do with our ability to conduct those interviews at the moment with resourcing and adhering to the guidelines about distancing and undertaking activities that aren't essential.

"We've let all the candidates know, and we will get back to them in the next week or so when we've got a better grasp of where we're going."

Concerns over the virus have led the FFA to join sporting organisations all over the globe in shutting down competitions in a bid to stop the curve.

Capital Football have temporarily suspended training sessions, junior competitions, and Canberra's premier league competitions until at least April 14.

Premier leagues were due to begin next weekend but those plans have been derailed while the NPL Youth League has been forced to grind to a halt.

Brown says a date to begin or resume competitions has not been decided given the ever-changing advice provided in relation to the virus.

Capital Football officials are considering condensing the length of premier league competitions this season, while thought is being given to reducing the number of teams per community league.

Brown says "it's all on the table", as talks regarding player registration fees for the 2020 season continue with officials weighing up whether prices will be slashed in a potentially shortened campaign.

"It's a conversation that has started, yes," Brown said.

"At the moment it is a temporary suspension, not a cancellation of the season. There's going to be an impact, it's something we'll be talking to the FFA and our clubs about.

"We'll review the competitions impacted by this temporary suspension, and see if we can reschedule them for later on.

"We're looking at what we can do with what we know and making those contingency plans. In a week's time, a day's time, a minute's time, it could all change.

"The recommendation is you don't train, you don't do anything that brings you into close contact with others while we try to reduce the spread of the virus.

"The majority of people are primarily interested in the health and safety of the members of our community so the majority of feedback has been positive."

Officials also have to juggle the FFA Cup qualifiers when it is deemed safe to return to play, with teams all over the nation vying for a place in the round of 32 and beyond.

Brown says each state or territory body will retain control of their qualifiers in what looms as one of the biggest challenges.