Western United FC has had its A-League licence withdrawn by an independent board as part of Football Australia's (FA) regulatory licensing process, threatening the club's existence just three years after winning the A-League Men championship. The decision, announced on Friday, blocks the financially struggling club from competing in FA-sanctioned competitions, including the A-Leagues.
An independent board established under the National Club Licensing Regulations determined on Thursday that Western United failed to meet the required criteria. The club expressed 'bitter disappointment' and stated it would appeal the decision, expressing faith in a positive outcome as the sale to US investors KAM Melbourne continues to progress. The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) executive chair, Stephen Conroy, said the organisation awaits the outcome of the appeal process.
The licensing regulations aim to safeguard the credibility and integrity of Australian football, covering criteria such as financial standards. The initial compliance deadline was May, but FA extended it to 31 July. Western United has been late in paying players this year and is currently under a FIFA-imposed transfer and registration ban. FA stated the licensing process is designed to protect the game, and while the outcome is regrettable, it reflects a commitment to upholding competition integrity.
The club joined the A-Leagues in 2019 as part of an expansion, with a vision of owning its own stadium funded by a real estate development partnership with Wyndham City Council. Although training and office facilities at Ironbark Fields in Tarneit are complete, construction on the main stadium has been delayed. Wyndham City Council's director of corporate services, Mark Rossiter, noted that ratepayers are protected by robust contracts and that the council remains committed to the project.
The men's captain, Ben Garuccio, signed a new two-year deal last month but was unable to play in a recent Australia Cup match due to the FIFA registration ban. A winding-up process established by creditors, including the tax office, is also ongoing.
