UPDATE: Western United Football Club has officially lodged an appeal against Football Australia’s decision to revoke its A-League licence. The appeal comes after the club’s ownership failed to meet the financial criteria necessary to retain the licence, a situation that has plunged the team into financial disarray.
This urgent development was confirmed earlier today, just days after the club received a seven-day window to appeal the withdrawal. This unprecedented move is crucial for the survival of the club, which has been struggling with delayed payments to players and staff during April, May, and June 2023.
In a statement released this morning, Western United expressed gratitude to its supporters: “We’d like to thank our loyal fans, members, and partners that have rallied around the club in the past week. The support and love for the green and black from the community has been overwhelming. It is these supporters that we will continue to fight for.”
Led by chairman Jason Sourasis, the club has been in turmoil as they awaited a planned takeover by American investment group KAM Sports, announced in May but yet to be finalized. The uncertainty surrounding the takeover has left fans anxious about the future of their beloved team.
Earlier this week, a spokesperson for Football Australia stated that the First Instance Board (FIB) — an independent body responsible for club licensing — determined that Western United failed to satisfy the necessary financial obligations. “As such, Western United FC’s licence has been withdrawn, effective immediately,” the spokesperson confirmed.
The board’s decision underscores Football Australia’s commitment to maintaining the integrity and stability of competitions for all clubs, players, and stakeholders. The club’s appeal will be processed under specific grounds outlined by regulations, but details on the timeline remain unclear.
As this situation unfolds, the club has committed to providing updates as they navigate this regulatory process. Fans and stakeholders await the outcome of the appeal, recognizing the significant implications it holds for the club’s future.
Stay connected for the latest updates on Western United’s appeal and its impact on the A-League landscape. The stakes are high, and every moment counts for the club and its passionate supporters.
