Wyndham Council has assured ratepayers that it is protected from any financial fallout following the announcement on Friday that A-League Club Western United had been stripped of its licence.
In a statement Council’s director of corporate services Mark Rossiter said “This is disappointing news and particularly disappointing for Western United fans.”
Mr Rossiter said council will reassess its relationship with the club’s owner and that the club’s Tarneit-based home, which is owned by council, is safe.
“We understand the club still has some appeal options and Wyndham will use that time to consider what this means for our partnership with Western Melbourne Group,” he said.
“It is important to note that council and ratepayers are completely protected by the robust commercial and financial contracts that are in place between council and Western Melbourne Group.
“Land earmarked for the Wyndham Stadium Precinct – including Ironbark Fields – is owned entirely by council.
“No land has been gifted or sold to Western Melbourne Group as part of this partnership.
“We continue to believe this is a unique initiative that has the potential to unlock an extraordinary level of public value, and we remain committed to realising this vision.”
