Newcastle's A-League home clash with Melbourne Victory has been moved to Monday night due to the extreme heat expected on Saturday afternoon.
The McDonald Jones Stadium match would have been played in 34-degree conditions had it gone ahead at the original time of 5.35pm on Saturday.
But Football Federation Australia has postponed kickoff to 7.50pm on Monday, with its heat policy allowing for postponement if temperatures exceed 28 degrees.
"Today's forecast leaves no doubt that the conditions on Saturday in Newcastle will be significantly above the thresholds we have in place under the FFA heat policy," A-League boss Greg O'Rourke said on Thursday in a statement.
"We have made the decision to move the Newcastle v Melbourne Victory match to Monday night."
O'Rourke said both clubs welcomed the move.
It comes amid criticism of FFA's execution of the heat policy, with Wellington complaining players suffered heatstroke during last month's clash in Adelaide in near-40 degree temperatures.
The governing body defended its decision not to postpone the January 29 clash.
FFA said the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, which takes in ambient temperature, relative humidity, wind and solar radiation to measure the risk of heat-related injury or illness, is forecast to be 34.4 degrees on Saturday afternoon.
Jets coach Mark Jones admitted the change was inconvenient but would be beneficial.
"Player welfare is of utmost importance and we've had a few issues through the year ... we don't want to put players at risk," Jones said.
"It just means that we have a little bit extra time to prepare. It's obviously a little bit inconvenient, but it is better than playing in 42-degree heat obviously."
AAP