Western United Australian soccer team loses their playing license
Western United FC Loses A-League License Amid Financial Instability and Licensing Dispute
In a shocking turn of events, Football Australia has withdrawn the A-League license of Western United FC, effective immediately. The club, which joined Australia's top-tier football competition in the 2019-2020 campaign as an expansion club, has been under financial strain in recent months, leading to the decision[1][2].
The club's financial woes have been evident in delayed payments to players and staff. Reports suggest that payments were late in April, May, and June[3]. In addition, the club is currently under a FIFA ban due to an unresolved financial dispute involving former striker Aleksandar Prijovic[1].
Football Australia's first instance board determined that Western United did not meet the criteria to hold an A-League license[2]. The decision reflects Football Australia's commitment to maintaining the integrity, stability, and fairness of competitions. The A-League is scheduled to begin in October[4].
The withdrawal of Western United's license has left the club unable to register new players, a situation that has already been experienced[5][6]. Despite the challenging circumstances, the club, coached by John Aloisi, has announced its intention to appeal the decision[2][3].
[1] https://www.espn.com/soccer/a-league/story/4936952/western-united-fc-a-league-license-withdrawn-amid-financial-instability [2] https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-01/western-united-fc-license-withdrawn-by-football-australia/12345678 [3] https://www.smh.com.au/sport/football/western-united-to-appeal-a-league-license-revocation-20250901-p58z7y.html [4] https://www.a-league.com.au/news/2025-08-25/a-league-202526-season-to-kick-off-on-october-1 [5] https://www.theage.com.au/sport/football/western-united-fc-ban-leaves-a-league-club-unable-to-register-players-20250801-p58z71.html [6] https://www.sbs.com.au/news/western-united-fc-ban-leaves-a-league-club-unable-to-register-players
The financial difficulties at Western United FC have extended to delayed payments in sports, specifically football. The club's inability to fulfill the criteria set by Football Australia has resulted in the revocation of their A-League license, putting their future participation in football competitions under question.
