Western United, the A-League champions from three years ago, is facing a critical juncture after having its licence to compete in both men’s and women’s competitions revoked. This decision, taken by Football Australia, stems from ongoing financial difficulties, including repeated failures to pay players on time. The club now has just seven days to appeal this ruling or risk folding entirely.
The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) executive chairman, Stephen Conroy, confirmed the revocation following a board meeting held on Thursday evening. “We’ve been advised by Football Australia on the determination … to withdraw Western United’s conditional licence,” Conroy stated. He emphasized that this matter involves processes from Football Australia, the Asian Football Confederation, and regulatory bodies, and declined to provide further comments until the regulatory process and any potential appeal conclude.
Under the management of Socceroos legend John Aloisi, Western United has struggled with financial stability, leading to delays in player and staff payments. Reports indicate that wages were consistently late for three consecutive months until the most recent payments were made on time. The club’s financial troubles have raised serious concerns about its ability to continue operations.
Ownership Change Under Scrutiny
Additionally, Western United is navigating a potential ownership transformation, which was announced in May 2023. The proposed deal involves KAM Melbourne, a subsidiary of the American company KAM Sports, acquiring a controlling stake in the club valued at $100 million. However, this plan is still pending approval from the APL, with delays attributed to the incomplete ownership proposal submitted by KAM Melbourne.
The club’s precarious financial status highlights the challenges facing many sports organizations in maintaining operational viability while adhering to league regulations. As the deadline for appeal looms, the future of Western United hangs in the balance, with fans and stakeholders anxiously awaiting developments. If the club fails to secure the necessary support or appeal the decision successfully, it could mark a significant decline for a team that once celebrated a championship title just a few seasons ago.
