The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) can today confirm the next steps with Season 2025/26, following the ongoing uncertainty on the future Western United Football Club.
WMG Football Club Limited, the owner and operator of Western United Football Club, was placed into liquidation last week by order of the Federal Court of Australia. An application for review of that decision has been lodged, and a stay of those orders has been granted to hear the case, with a date for the new hearing to be confirmed.
In addition, FA has confirmed its Appeals and Entry Control Body (A&ECB) has adjourned its decision to review the withdrawal of Western United’s licence until next Tuesday 9 September due to a request for further submissions from the parties involved.
While it is important that due process is followed in both proceedings, these additional delays have meant the APL, A-League Clubs, Western United and the Players have been unable to prepare with the necessary clarity for the 2025/26 season.
With this, the APL, in consultation with the Club, FA, PFA and the Wyndham City Council, has placed Western United’s Club Participation Agreement (CPA) into a conditional hibernation for Season 2025/26 in relation to their men’s and women’s A-League teams. The Club intends to continue to run their academy.
This decision allows the APL, Western United and all other Clubs to move forward with certainty for Season 2025/26, and provides time for the various appeals to be heard and gives Western United’s owners an ability to rebuild the Club’s financial and operational foundations with a view to re-enter the A-Leagues from Season 2026/27 onwards.
“The club needs time to work through these legal and regulatory proceedings and re-establish their financial and operating position, but with the timing and outcome for both up in the air, we need to progress with our plans for season 25/26 without Western United,” said Stephen Conroy, APL Executive Chairman.
“We see great value in the potential of Western United, and the opportunity of having an A-League club in the west of Melbourne – the fastest growing corridor in Australia. The Club has had great success on the pitch and their academies are an important pathway for emerging young talent in the Victorian football community – but we need to do what is best for the league, our partners and our other Clubs at this time.
“This is the best path forward for the league, and gives Western United the best opportunity to rejoin the A-Leagues and continue their work in the community.
“We will continue to support the club and ownership group as they work through these next steps and build towards re-entering the A-Leagues from season 2026/27 – if they are successful in their winding-up appeal, meet certain obligations with the APL and satisfy FA Club Licensing Regulations.”
The decision to place Western United’s CPA into hibernation was also made with consideration for the careers and livelihood of the current playing group, who under this arrangement will be able to seek employment with other clubs for this coming season whilst the transfer window is open.
“This has been a difficult period for everyone involved with the Club – especially the playing group who have faced uncertainty about their careers ahead of the transfer window closing and season starting. With this decision to hibernate the Club’s CPA for season 2025/26, the Club has admirably also agreed to release the players, so they can seek alternative employment for next season,“ confirmed Conroy.
Commenting on the decision, Steve Horvat, Director of Football at Western United FC: “We are aligned with the APL’s decision, and believe a season in hibernation will allow the Club to reset and build on its already solid football foundations and be better placed to continue its legacy in Season 2026/27.”
Commenting on the season ahead, Stephen Conroy, APL Executive Chairman added:
“Alongside our support for everyone involved with Western United, over the last month the team has been working on a revised fixture for a 12-team Isuzu UTE A-League Men and 11-team Ninja A-League Women season. We will announce both fixtures next week to allow all fans and clubs to continue their build up to Season 2025/26.
“We’re committed to working with Clubs and partners to build on the success of last season across Australia and New Zealand – where we achieved our fourth consecutive year of growth in our broadcast audiences and the highest total attendance since 2016/17.
“Additionally the league has moved from a significant financial loss, to a profit in FY25, which allows us to reinvest more into our leagues and provides a platform for sustained growth over the coming seasons.”
Western United’s ability to participate in Season 2026/27 will be conditional on certain criteria, including satisfying Football Australia’s National Club Licensing Regulations.
The Isuzu UTE A-League Men kicks off on October 17, with the Ninja A-League Women to start season 2025/26 on October 31. For more information on the A-Leagues head to www.aleagues.com.au
