Melbourne Victory legend Archie Thompson believes the A-Leagues need to introduce a COVID-19 vaccine mandate like the AFL.
With the new A-League Men's season set to kick off in just over three weeks, the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) have yet to make vaccination mandatory for players - though they have encouraged it.
Players at Melbourne-based clubs are required to be vaccinated to train, but there remains question marks over around a dozen contracted players throughout the A-League Men's competition.
Despite their next season still being months away, the AFL recently declared vaccination will be required by all players and staff moving forward.
Thompson has called on the A-Leagues to take a similar stance to ensure players know what will happen if they decide not to get jabbed.
"I look at what’s happening now with things opening up and the only way you can go places is if you’re double vaxxed basically," Thompson said on the latest Football From A to Z podcast.
"I think with the stance the AFL have taken it is clear - if you don't get vaxxed, you don’t play.
"I feel like the A-League need to make that decision and say ‘Ok, the ones who aren’t going to get vaxxed, well I’m sorry, but you’re not going to play’ and that gives opportunity I guess to those that are willing to do that.
"I feel because the league is just around the corner, this is the stance the A-Leagues need to take where they go, ‘Right, you’re vaxxed, you can play’.
"With the AFL taking that stance, the A-League need to do it and make it clearer. Some are not going to do it, that’s fine, but then the consequences are you’re not going to be involved.
"I think some calmer, cooler heads will prevail."
Thompson's comments come a week after former Sydney FC captain Alex Brosque warned against introducing such a mandate.
The new A-League Men's season kicks off on November 19 with reigning champions Melbourne City set to host Brisbane Roar at AAMI Park.