The AFC is desperately forging ahead with the Champions League despite the obvious logistical challenges to avoid having to repay around $80 million to broadcasters,according to sources familiar with the situation.
Iranian side Persepolis has already qualified for the final on December 19 after the west zone's fixtures were completed recently in Qatar - but two teams,including reigning ACL winners Al-Hilal,had to pull out because of widespread coronavirus infections in their squads.
Due to play their next match against Aaron Mooy's Shanghai SIPG on November 19,Sydney FC is planning on arriving in Doha four or five days prior. How long they stay there depends on how successful they are.
With only one point from the two ACL games they played before the pandemic it's unlikely the Sky Blues will make it out of the group stage,but they are wary of leaving without knowing what they can do when they arrive home.
With the A-League to resume on December 27,with Sydney FC currently seeking permission from the NSW government to be able to train while serving their two weeks in quarantine when they return to Australia – most likely at a facility like Valentine Sports Park or the Sydney Academy of Sport in Narrabeen.
"If we can't train when we get back there's no point going,because it's leading into the A-League season. We obviously need confirmation on that before we go anywhere,"Corica said.
But there could be further issues if Sydney manage to reach the knockout stage of the ACL. If the Sky Blues go beyond the round of 16 they will be in quarantine over Christmas,and the club is believed to be exploring whether the families of players could join them at their accommodation in that instance.