Western United to fight relegation

DEFIANT Western United have vowed to fight the stripping of their A-League licence as the embattled club stands on the brink of folding.

On Friday last week, Football Australia (FA) confirmed United would have their licence withdrawn as the existing ownership were unable to satisfy the financial criteria required to maintain it.

The news, which leaves players and staff in limbo, comes just three years after United’s first A-League Men championship.

United have been in financial turmoil for months, with players and staff paid late in April, May and June while superannuation payments were also delayed.

The club, which is now based in Tarneit but played several games at Geelong’s GMHBA Stadium, have also been unable to register players due to a FIFA ban related to an ongoing dispute with former striker Aleksandar Prijovic.

That ban meant new signing Jaiden Kucharski and captain Ben Garuccio could not be registered in time to play in United’s Australia Cup round of 32 loss to Sydney FC.

The club, led by chair 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.

FA’s First Instance Board (FIB), an independent body responsible for club licensing, met on Thursday last week.

A FA spokesperson said the FIB had: “determined that Western United FC 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“As such Western United FC’s license has been withdrawn, effective immediately.

“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.”

United responded the next day, confirming they would immediately appeal the decision.

“Western United Football Club is bitterly disappointed by the decision taken by Football Australia (FA) and the First Instance Body (FIB) today,” United said in a statement.

“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.

“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.”

Championship-winning coach and Socceroos great John Aloisi signed a new two-year deal in July.

It is also unclear what the decision means for players, who are receiving support from the players’ union, Professional Footballers (the PFA).

United’s men’s players are in pre-season while it is the off-season for ALW players.

“We have communicated directly with all players affected by this decision and will continue to do so as this matter progresses,” a PFA spokesperson said.

– WITH AAP