Less than a week after the FFA suspended the 2019-20 A-League season until at least April 22 due to the coronavirus outbreak, Sage has stood down all of the club's players and staff.

The outspoken club owner said the decision was "heartbreaking".

"I can't remember sadder days except when my mum died and my brother died. It's heartbreaking. Very, very sad," Sage told the West Australian.

The Glory boss says he expects other A-League clubs to follow suit and his decision allows foreign players and staff to return their home nations if possible amid the global crisis.

The PFA however says it will initiate legal proceedings against Sage if the players aren't immediately reinstated.

"A fortnight ago, it was fine to relocate players to the east coast away from their families and expose them to a global pandemic.

"Now, when the opportunity arises, it is considered acceptable to stop paying them," PFA chief executive John Didulica said.

"We are positioned to take the same course of action if any other A-League club owner elects to take this course of action in contravention of both the law and the sport's broader needs at this time."

Approximately half of the league's players are set to be out of contract at the end of May, with Glory having only 12 players contracted into next season.

Brisbane Roar coach Robbie Fowler and director of football Tony Grant have already flown to England to be with their families during the outbreak, with their return dates yet to be determined.