Western United has declared its ambition to seal a “strong return to the A-Leagues” after settling their debt with the Australian Tax Office.
But with no players and few staff on the books as Western sits out the A-Leagues season, the road ahead is long and unclear for the embattled club, despite paying its tax debts and avoiding liquidation.
With a debut of $15.5 million, United was wound up by the ATO in August, after it had already been stripped of its A-Leagues licence, before vowing to fight that decision.
United’s ownership West Melbourne Group had an interlocutory hearing in the Federal Court on 11 December.
Following mediation it was agreed provided payment was completed by 7 January, orders to wind up WMG Football Club (United) would be set aside.
Major lender Johnson Controls paid off the ATO debts, while at the December hearing, it was noted Lederer Group had also proposed to step in with further funding.
The founder of Lederer Group is billionaire Paul Lederer, who recently returned to his post as Western Sydney Wanderers chairman.
“Western United confirms that all court proceedings involving Western Melbourne Group and Western United Football Club have been dismissed following the successful settlement of outstanding matters with the Australian Taxation Office on Friday, 9 January,” the club said in a statement.
“This outcome represents an important and positive moment for the Western Melbourne Group and the broader project.
“It enables all elements, including the Football Club, to close a challenging chapter and move forward with renewed clarity, confidence and purpose.
“With this matter now resolved, Western United Football Club will focus fully on rebuilding – strengthening its foundations, restoring long-term sustainability and working towards a strong return to the A-Leagues – while continuing to unite communities across the west of Victoria through football.”
Amid concerns over unpaid wages and superannuation – and while under a FIFA registration ban – Western were stripped of their A-Leagues licence by Football Australia (FA) in August.
The wind-up order followed, and men’s and women’s players and staff were all left in limbo and unable to join new clubs until the Australian Professional Leagues put the club into hibernation on 6 September.
