Football Federation Australia (FFA) made the announcement on Tuesday morning, following on from fellow Australian sports codes National Rugby League and Australian Football League who suspended their elite competitions on Monday and Sunday respectively.
The A-League had been one of the last remaining sporting leagues worldwide to attempt to continue to play, with matches behind closed doors for the past fortnight and the schedule hastily rearranged.
On Monday night, Newcastle Jets defeated Melbourne City 2-1.
However, with Australia moving closer to lockdown amid the coronavirus pandemic and interstate travel being banned as state closed their borders, the FFA’s hand was forced.
The other scheduled match on Monday between Perth Glory and Western United was postponed as the away side opted not to board their flight due to fears they may have to self isolate upon their return to Victoria.
FFA CEO James Johnson said: “Our priority is to ensure the safety of both the football community and the community at large.
“As each passing day raises additional concerns for the safety of both, it is imperative that we follow the lead of Governments at National and State level and take the necessary precautionary and proactive measures and in doing so play our part in preventing the spread and impact of COVID-19.
“To get so close to completing the competition, only to pull up a few weeks short, has been heartbreaking for the players, clubs and fans. That said, the health and safety of our fans, players, volunteers and staff has always been the overriding consideration for us.
“That is fundamentally what led with the unanimous support of the State and Territory Member Federations to the suspension of grassroots football until 14 April 2020. Todays decision was equally difficult to make but it is borne form the same rationale.”
FFA hopes to resume the 2019-20 season at some point, citing “as soon as it is reasonably possible” with clubs committed to being ready and willing to play.
The A-League had only a handful of regular season rounds to play with Sydney FC top of the league, before the annual finals due to be played in April and May.
The Belarussian Premier League, featuring clubs like Dinamo Minsk and BATE Borisov, continues to be played amid the outbreak, having commenced their season last weekend.