SOUTH Melbourne has rejected Western United\u2019s proposal to play home games at Lakeside Stadium this upcoming A-League season.<\/p>\n
The Victorian National Premier League club \u201cvigorously oppose\u201d United\u2019s plan to host seven games at the venue while their new stadium in Tarneit is built.<\/p>\n
United will play home games in Ballarat, Geelong and Launceston during the 2021\/22 A-League season.<\/p>\n
South Melbourne released the following statement: \u201cLakeside Stadium and Albert Park is the home of South Melbourne FC and has been for over sixty years. Our licencing arrangements with Lakeside Stadium and the State Government ensures it will remain this way for decades to come.<\/p>\n
\u201cSouth Melbourne FC has a stadium, we have a home and we are proud to call it our own.<\/p>\n
\u201cExecutives at Lakeside Stadium and Melbourne Sports Centres have advised South Melbourne FC that contrary to the announcement made by Western United FC, there is no written or signed agreement in place with Western United FC or the Australian Professional Leagues to allow Western United FC access to Lakeside Stadium for the 2021\/22 A-League season.<\/p>\n
\u201cSouth Melbourne considers Western United to be a direct competitor in the Melbourne, Victorian and Australian football market.<\/p>\n
\u201cTheir acceptance to the A-League was based largely on the commitment to having a purpose-built football stadium constructed in Melbourne\u2019s west. It is approaching three years since the A-League expansion clubs were announced and construction works have still not commenced. Western United\u2019s use of Lakeside Stadium is not acceptable and South Melbourne FC will vigorously oppose any such plans.<\/p>\n
\u201cSouth Melbourne can confirm that it will be exercising all rights to prevent Western United FC from playing A-League matches at Lakeside Stadium.\u201d<\/p>\n
The A-League season will kick off on November 19 after it was initially scheduled to start on October 30.<\/p>\n
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