A board independent of A-League management has concluded that Tarneit-based club Western United (WUFC) has failed to meet its licencing requirements ahead of the 2025/26 season.
“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 said on Friday afternoon.
"As such, Western United FC’s licence has been withdrawn, effective immediately.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.”
The decision means that WUFC have been banned from all Football Australia competitions including the A-League Men, A-League Women and Australia Cup, from which they were recently eliminated following what could be their final game as a professional club.
WUFC have for years struggled to stay afloat as an entity and were beleaguered by late monthly payments to players and staff on no fewer than three occasions this year, which contributed to an 18-month FIFA transfer ban earlier this year.
But, despite current ownership being embroiled in individual financial trouble, things appeared to be on the up with current head coach John Aloisi committing to a new contract and the sale of the club to the US-based Kaminski group moving closer.
They were introduced to the competition in 2019-20 as Melbourne's third club off the back of a compelling promise to build a self-funded 15,000-seat boutique in Tarneit.
Whilst the stadium never came to fruition, a training base at Ironbark Fields featuring three full-size pitches - assisted by financing from the Wyndham City Council and state government - eventually became a home ground for the A-League Women's team as well as an occasional venue for the men's side during the 2024/25 season.
The erection of Ironbark Fields itself was completed years overdue, albeit with the Covid pandemic significantly complicating construction timelines and increasing overall costs.
Western United have stated their intention to appeal the decision within a seven-day window ahead of a club statement to be issued on Friday.