August 8 – Football Australia have revoked the licence of A-League club Western United because of financial instability.
Three years after winning the Australian league title, Western United find themselves on the brink after the Australian governing body withdrew the club’s license to compete in both men’s and women’s competitions.
“Football Australia is able to confirm that the first instance board [FIB] – an independent body established under the National Club Licensing Regulations – has convened and determined that Western United FC has failed to meet the criteria required to be granted an A-League licence,” said the governing body. “As such Western United FC’s licence has been withdrawn, effective immediately.”
“This outcome, while regrettable, reflects Football Australia’s ongoing commitment to upholding the integrity, stability and fairness of competitions for all clubs, players and stakeholders.”
Football Australia took action because of financial turmoil, including delayed payments to players, a FIFA transfer ban and an $11 million loss with $55 million in liabilities. The club from Melbourne has a week to appeal.
“Western United Football Club is bitterly disappointed by the decision taken by Football Australia and the First Instance Body today,” the club said in a statement.
“The club will be exercising its right to appeal the decision with faith of a positive outcome as the sale of the club and injection of capital from KAM Melbourne continues to progress.
“As this is a regulatory process, the club will be making no further comment at this time.”
The Kaminski group from the United States is reportedly finalising a takeover that was first announced in May. They would buy a $100m controlling stake in the club and its parent company Western Melbourne Group.
Contact the writer of this story Samindra Kunti at [email protected]