Football Federation Australia has put plans for the 2020-21 W-League season on the backburner, with the return of grassroots football and A-League the main priority.

With the upcoming season shrouded in uncertainty, Capital Football has shelved its search for a new W-League mentor until it knows what the competition may look like.

It initially delayed the interview process in March when social distancing measures came into effect.

Capital Football boss Phil Brown says the organisation will recommence its search and start planning for the season once it receives feedback from the FFA.

"It's important for us to understand what the conditions are for the W-League and whether international players will be able to play. All of that information might influence who might be the preferred candidate," Brown said.

"We've written to the FFA for clarification on the upcoming season including the start date, funding, salary conditions for players, the movement of players across states and arrival of international players."

It's unknown how the salary cap will be affected by the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus crisis.

A-League clubs, bar Sydney FC, Melbourne City, Melbourne Victory and Wellington Phoenix, have stood down players, while Capital Football faces a potential loss of at least $400,000.

United is the only standalone W-League club and without a coach, it risks being left behind in the player recruitment process.

Canberra leaned on international recruits during Heather Garriock's three-season tenure, with clubs able to sign up to four overseas players plus a guest player.

But clubs could be limited to domestic talent next season, due to differing border and travel restrictions across the world.

New Zealand players may also be included if the trans-Tasman travel bubble is operative by the season's start.

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Matildas defender Karly Roestbakken says while the absence of international stars would reduce the league's quality, it would also provide local talent the chance to play at an elite level.

"It's a hard one because there's so many big stars, particularly from America, who come to the W-League and make it much better," Roestbakken said.

"It would be a different league but having it up and running is great for the players coming through.

"It gives an opportunity to those young and local players who aspire to be the best, make the Matildas and be great in the W-League.

"So if we can't get international players due to travel restrictions, then I think it gives an opportunity for the young ones to come through."

Roestbakken was set to join the mass exodus of Australian players to Europe before the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown sports across the world.

The 19-year-old defender signed with Norwegian club LSK Kvinner in March but is still in Canberra due to travel restrictions.

Roestbakken, among other players stuck in Australia, are seeking clarification about the W-League's calendar so they can plan their season.

It's likely the competition will be pushed back until at least November, with A-League officials eyeing an August restart date.

"It's extremely important [the FFA] also start talking about the W-League and give clarity to what's happening because players base their decisions around the competition," Roestbakken said.

"The season is only four to five months long, so players have to decide whether they go overseas and come back. It's something Australian players look forward to at the end of the year."

Border closures and coronavirus concerns could lead to some Australian stars chosing the W-League over foreign competitions, with restrictions beginning to ease across the country.

"I know a lot of players are still heading overseas, it's just figuring out when they can or if they're allowed to," Roestbakken said.

"I'm sure a few were planning to play in the W-League anyway, it's not like they were going to up and leave it.

"I think if things get worse or other countries stay in lockdown, then maybe there could be a few staying but I'm unsure about that."