Western United terminated from A-League men’s and women’s completions; statement

Western United has claimed its licence termination from the A-League marks a “new chapter” in the club’s career despite its future now clear.

United attempted to go down all avenues to revive the club and continue in the A-League, but failed to secure a takeover bid from an American investment group.

The club’s resurrection bid was all but ended after losing their licence with Football Australia and then being placed in liquidation late last year amid $15 million tax debt.

The Australian Professional Leagues revealed in a statement on Monday that United were “in breach of a number of its obligations” under the conditional hibernation agreement that was formed in September last year.

While they acknowledged the club had tried to work “through financial, governance and legal matters to try and rebuild the club”, their involvement in the A-League men’s and women’s competition is no longer an option.

“It’s been a difficult period for everyone connected to Western United - and we want to acknowledge the management, staff, players and especially the fans - who have given so much to the club and will no doubt be hurt by this news,” APL chairperson Stephen Conroy wrote in a statement.

Western United’s players all became instant free agents after the club was placed in hibernation last year, but the club insisted that did not mean their revival dream was over.

United’s coach John Aloisi had already departed the club in January this year, signing a deal to take the reins of Chengdu Rongcheng FC in China.

After the APL made its announcement, United released a statement attempting to spin the story into a positive.

“Today marks a significant moment in our history and the beginning of a new chapter,” the club wrote.

“Over recent months, we have worked closely with the APL on a pathway that gives the club the best opportunity to survive, rebuild and return to the A-League under new ownership.

“This creates an opportunity for new custodians, new investment and a fresh start.

“The objective must now be to preserve Western United’s identity in Melbourne’s west and work towards a return to the A-League for the 2027/28 season.”

The club said the priority now is to find a sustainable way forward in conjunction with the APL, Wyndham City Council, governments, prospective owners and the football community.

“This should not be the end of Western United. It should be the reset that allows the club to rebuild and return stronger,” the club added.

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