Western United kicked out of A-League after Football Australia 'red card'

In a major development, Football Australia has revoked Western United's A-League licence, effectively removing the club from the competition. The decision marks a significant shake-up in the league's structure and raises questions about the club’s long-term future.

The troubled Victorian club has struggled financially since winning the 2022 A-League Men's title, with recent reports of delayed payments to players and staff highlighting ongoing instability. Adding to their woes, a FIFA-imposed ban has prevented the club from registering new players due to an unresolved dispute with former striker Aleksandar Prijovic.

Following Football Australia's decision, the club now has eight days to lodge an appeal as it fights for its future in the competition.


"Football Australia is able to confirm that the First Instance Board - 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," a Football Australia statement read.

"As such, Western United FC's license has been withdrawn, effective immediately.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."

If Western United is unable to win a last-minute appeal, it will stand as a striking case study in the rapid rise and fall of an A-League club.

Introduced during the 2019/20 expansion, the club soared to success just two seasons later, when they lifted the A-League Men’s trophy after a 2-0 win over Melbourne City in the final.

Now, only three years after that triumph, the club faces potential extinction - a surprising decline from champions to crisis in such a short time.

Reacting to the decision, Western United said in a statement that the club was 'bitterly disappointed' with the decision.

"The club will be exercising its right to appeal the decision with faith of a positive outcome as the sale of the club and injection of capital from KAM Melbourne continues to progress," the statement said.

"As this is a regulatory process, the club will be making no further comment at this time."