“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 … 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.”
With the transfer window still open, it means players can find new clubs, and the likes of star midfielder Angus Thurgate, captain Ben Garuccio, youngsters Dylan Leonard and Abel Walatee and Japanese imports Tomoki Imai and Hiroshi Ibusuki are expected to be in hot demand – although it is unlikely every member of their men’s and women’s squads will be so fortunate.
It is unclear what the decision means for coaches, including former Socceroo John Aloisi, who steered United’s men to victory in the 2022 grand final.
The club has been contacted for comment.
The club intends to continue operating its academy.
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Western United football director Steve Horvat said the club was “aligned” with the decision, while a long statement on the club’s website offered an apology to players, coaches, staff and fans, but made clear that their story was “still being written”.
“To our A-Leagues players, coaches and staff, we say simply and sincerely: we are sorry. The uncertainty you have faced is not what you deserved,” the statement reads.
“We acknowledge this has been an incredibly difficult period. We sincerely share the disappointment felt by our players, coaches, staff, members, fans and partners who have lived through weeks of uncertainty about the future of the green and black.
“Let us be absolutely clear: this is not a farewell, nor is it a step back. This is an investment in our future, a proactive move that will empower us to reset and come back revitalised … we will work tirelessly behind the scenes to build an even more sustainable and successful club.
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“We are determined to return in the 2026-27 A-Leagues season with renewed energy and an unwavering commitment to reach new heights.”
United’s re-entry will be conditional on meeting certain criteria, including satisfying Football Australia’s national club licensing regulations.
Even if the club’s corporate entity was dissolved, there remains a chance that – since the APL owns the club’s intellectual property and the Wyndham council is still keen to move forward with plans to redevelop land in Tarneit to build a stadium and surrounding precinct as initially promised by United’s investors – another group could come in and resurrect the club.
Fixtures for the new season are to be released mid next week.