The APL, the organizer of Australian soccer’s men’s and women’s top flight A-Leagues, has expelled the Western United franchise from both competitions after six years.
In May, the Football Australia governing body announced that Western United had failed to meet the licensing criteria for A-Leagues participation after a long period of significant financial difficulties.
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Now, this week, the APL confirmed the termination of Western United’s license, ending any hope that the team may return to compete in the 2026-27 season.
In a statement, the club said that it will now work to bring in fresh investment in a bid to return to the fold in the 2027-28 campaign.
This marks a stark fall from grace for the club, which won the 2022 A-League Men Grand Final, while the women’s side finished runners-up in the A-League Women Premiership in 2022-23, and that season’s A-League Women Championship, in what was only its first season.
Aiming to capitalize on the situation is fellow Melbourne side South Melbourne FC, which competes in the second-tier Australian Championship, the state-wide National Premier Leagues Victoria (NPL) and Victoria Women competitions, as well as the OFC Professional League regional competition.
South Melbourne won the first Australian Championship in 2025, and is the role professional side in Australia outside of the A-Leagues.
Today (August 11), the club released a statement saying that it is seeking to “open formal dialogue” with the APL over the acquisition of men’s and women’s A-League licenses.
It aims to continue to compete on local, national, and international fronts throughout the licensing process, and indeed beyond, adding that A-League ascension will not replace its activities in these competitions.
Speaking on the move, club co-president Bill Papastergiadis said: “Our ambition is not to leave behind the competitions that have been important to our journey. We want to continue competing in the NPL, Australian Championship and Oceania Professional League while exploring whether South Melbourne can also have a place in the A-Leagues. This will open up even more opportunities for players across Victoria to play at a higher level.”
The club already holds a long-term lease on its Lakeside Stadium home, and claims commercial backing from over 150 local businesses.
