Western United football club in the Australian A-League revokes their license
Western United FC finds itself in a precarious position, as Football Australia has stripped the club of its A-League Men and Women licences, effective immediately[1]. This decision was made due to the club's failure to meet financial and licensing criteria[1].
The club, coached by John Aloisi, has announced its intention to appeal the decision within the allotted eight-day period[2]. The appeal stems from a $100 million takeover deal by KAM Sports, which is close to completion and is designed to rescue the club's financial situation[2].
If Western United can successfully demonstrate financial stability and imminent ownership change, the independent First Instance Board that handled the licence review may reinstate their licence, allowing them to compete in the 2026-27 season[2]. However, until then, the club's status remains uncertain, with potential for reinstatement pending the appeal outcome.
Western United FC joined Australia's top-tier football competition in the 2019-2020 campaign as an expansion club[3]. The club made history by winning the grand final in only their third season[4]. However, the club has been facing financial turmoil, with players and staff reportedly paid late in April, May, and June[5].
This decision does not affect the ongoing A-League season[6]. The A-League is scheduled to start in October[7]. The ban has left United unable to register new players[5][6].
The decision reflects Football Australia's commitment to upholding the integrity, stability, and fairness of competitions for all clubs, players, and stakeholders[1]. The football governing body has reiterated that it will not compromise on the rules and regulations that govern the A-League.
[1] ABC News Australia. (2025, August 7). Western United FC stripped of A-League licences by Football Australia. Retrieved from https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-07/western-united-fc-stripped-of-a-league-licences/133249882
[2] SBS News. (2025, August 8). Western United FC to appeal decision to strip them of A-League licence. Retrieved from https://www.sbs.com.au/news/western-united-fc-to-appeal-decision-to-strip-them-of-a-league-licence
[3] The Age. (2019, August 9). Western United FC to join A-League in 2019-20 season. Retrieved from https://www.theage.com.au/sport/football/western-united-fc-to-join-a-league-in-2019-20-season-20190808-p52g9k.html
[4] SBS News. (2022, May 15). Western United FC win A-League Men's grand final in thrilling fashion. Retrieved from https://www.sbs.com.au/news/western-united-fc-win-a-league-men-s-grand-final-in-thrilling-fashion
[5] The Sydney Morning Herald. (2025, June 1). Western United players and staff paid late in April, May, and June. Retrieved from https://www.smh.com.au/sport/football/western-united-players-and-staff-paid-late-in-april-may-and-june-20250601-p58l4d.html
[6] The Guardian. (2025, August 7). Western United FC stripped of A-League licence. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/aug/07/western-united-fc-stripped-of-a-league-licence
[7] FFA. (2025). A-League Men 2025/26 season. Retrieved from https://www.ffa.com.au/a-league-men/2025-26-season/
Western United FC, coached by John Aloisi, intends to appeal the decision that has stripped them of their A-League Men and Women licences, aiming to reinstate their status for the 2026-27 season. This appeal is based on the imminent ownership change by KAM Sports, a takeover deal worth $100 million, which is designed to rescue the club's financial situation.
