Western United stripped of A-League licence as future hangs in the balance | OneFootball

The future of Western United is hanging by a thread after the west Melbourne-based outfit were stripped of their A-League Men and Women licences.

It means the club has effectively been ejected from the A-League for the upcoming season. The club has signalled it will appeal the decision.

The decision was handed down by the First Instance Board — an organisation independent of Football Australia — and the APL, who oversee the A-League Women’s and Men’s competitions.

It follows months of uncertainty surrounding the club’s finances, with reports of unpaid wages to both players and staff.

Grand plans but false dawns for Western United

Western United were admitted into the A-League in 2018 with grand plans. A proposed 15,000-seater stadium which formed the centrepiece of an entertainment, residential and business complex was widely seen as the key factor in their successful bid.

The stadium was slated for completion in 2021. However, Covid-19 among other things pushed that back to 2026. The club moved into Ironbark Fields in 2024 — a 5,000 seat stadium which also serves as the club’s training base.

A nomadic start to life dogged the club. With no home of their own, they were forced to play at grounds including AAMI Park in the city of Melbourne and even played ‘home’ games in Tasmania. This meant they were never able to build links with the local community they were supposed to represent.

Last season, they were bottom of the table for average attendance with 646. At the other end of the spectrum, Adelaide United averaged 2,731.

Embed from Getty Images

A remarkable first season

In May 2022, it was announced that the women’s side would enter the A-League in time for the 2022/23 season. That first campaign was a resounding success. They finished as runners-up in the regular season before making the Grand Final, where they ultimately fell to Sydney FC.

Over the past two seasons, Western secured third and sixth placed finishes in the league. The side had established themselves as perennial Finals contenders.

However, a squad that includes current Matilda Chloe Berryhill (née Logarzo) face an anxious wait to see if their club will still be in existence come the start of the new season.

The news of Western United’s imminent demise is the latest in an increasingly long line of financial hardships in the Australian game. With doubts over the long-term finances of both the Central Coast Mariners and Canberra United, an uneasy time for Australia’s top flight may lie ahead.

Related articles from Her Football Hub: