Western United have been stripped of their A-Leagues licence, leaving the embattled club on the brink of folding just three years after their first championship.
United have been in financial turmoil for months, with players and staff paid late in April, May and June while superannuation payments were also delayed.
United have also been unable to register players due to a FIFA ban related to an ongoing dispute with former striker Aleksandar Prijovic.
United, led by chairman Jason Sourasis, had hoped their issues would be solved by a planned takeover by American group KAM Sports, which was announced in May – but that is yet to be completed.
It meant the club’s current ownership were unable to satisfy the financial criteria required to maintain their licence, and now have seven days to appeal the decision.
“Football Australia is able to confirm that the First Instance Board (FIB) – an independent body established under the National Club Licensing Regulations – has convened and determined that Western United FC has failed to meet the criteria required to be granted an A-League license,” an FA spokesperson said in a statement.
“As such Western United FC’s license has been withdrawn, effective immediately.
“Western United FC can appeal this decision to the Appeals Body established under the regulations on certain grounds outlined in the regulations.
“This outcome, while regrettable, reflects Football Australia’s ongoing commitment to upholding the integrity, stability, and fairness of competitions for all clubs, players, and stakeholders.”
United were granted an expansion licence in 2018 and entered the league ahead of the 2019-20 season.
“We’ve been advised by Football Australia on the determination by FIB to withdraw Western United’s conditional licence,” Australian Professional Leagues executive chairman Stephen Conroy said in a statement.
“This is an FA, AFC and regulatory process, and we won’t comment further until the regulatory process and any appeal has been completed.”
