The Federal Court has ordered the winding up of Western United Football Club and its associated companies, ending the A-League club’s existence after a failed last-ditch rescue attempt. Judicial registrar Robyn Curnow dismissed an application for adjournment on Friday afternoon, rejecting claims of a fresh $15 million investment from JC Capital.
The club’s lawyer, Bridget Slocum, had argued the investment was contingent on reinstatement to the A-League and a six-to-12-month repayment plan for creditors and the Australian Tax Office. However, the court deemed the proposal insufficient to prevent insolvency, ordering Western United, WMG Holdings, and three other companies owned by director Jason Sourasis to be wound up.
Western United had been in financial turmoil for months, facing a tax bill, unpaid wages and superannuation, and a Fifa registration ban. Football Australia stripped the club of its A-League licence earlier this month after a takeover deal with American investors KAM fell through. KAM withdrew its bid on Wednesday following the licence revocation.
Western United joined the A-League Men as an expansion club in 2019-20 and won the championship in 2021-22 under coach John Aloisi. The club also fielded a women’s team from 2022-23. The Australian Professional Leagues and Football Australia have been contacted for comment.
