Western United has been granted an extension of time to lodge an appeal of Football Australia’s decision to withdraw its A-League licence.
As reported by Star Weekly, the club’s current ownership have been unable to satisfy the financial criteria required to maintain their licence, and had seven days to appeal the decision to strip the club of its licence.
United has been in financial turmoil for months, with players and staff paid late in April, May and June while superannuation payments were also delayed.
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.
That seven days has passed, with United putting out a statement on Monday afternoon.
“Western United Football Club confirms it has today been granted an extension of time to lodge an appeal of Football Australia’s decision to withdraw its A-League licence,” the statement said.
“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.
“As this is a regulatory process, the club will be making no further comment at this time.”
Previously an FA spokesperson said that the First Instance Board (FIB) – an independent body established under the National Club Licensing Regulations – has convened and determined that Western United has failed to meet the criteria required to be granted an A-League license.
“As such Western United FC’s license has been withdrawn, effective immediately,” they said at the time.
“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.”
Western United said at the time the club would fight the stripping of their A-Leagues licence.
“The club will be exercising its right to appeal the decision immediately, with confidence of a positive outcome as the sale of the club and injection of capital from KAM Melbourne continues to progress,” it said.
“We wish to assure every single member, supporter and the broader Australian football public that we will fight for our club with the same spirit, belief and resilience that has defined us from the very beginning.
“We will continue to stand together as we have done in the face of adversity in the past, and we will exhaust every avenue to continue being able to represent our community with pride.”
