Both bodies have also agreed to unite in a bid to stabilise the A-League men’s and women’s competitions through a three-point plan.

Code Sports can exclusively reveal FA and APL have this week reached a financial settlement over claims of historic debts between the two organisations. The figure is speculated to be just short of $1 million.

Financial disputes between the two bodies started after they divorced in December 2020.

Up until that point FA had run the A-League competitions.

APL took over in late 2020.

Taking over during the Covid-19 pandemic and concerns around governance hurt the APL’s hip pocket.

A number of drastic measures were taken in a bid to “right the ship” including reducing its workforce by half, removing end of season award nights and slashing the clubs’ central distribution funds from $2 million to $530,000.

In May 2025, when Football Australia made public its annual report it was revealed a record yearly loss of $8.5 million — of which $4.1 million was in expected credit losses.

It was reported, at the time, that the APL had an outstanding bill with FA in the millions – but no exact figure was supplied.

The APL also said FA owed it money but did not specify a figure.

Code Sports can report both parties have reached an agreement on the financial matters and are working together to improve the long term stability of the A-Leagues.

It is understood the key areas of focus of the action plan are sports integrity, developing world-leading match officials and improving youth development frameworks and systems.

The move comes as both governing bodies welcome new CEOs.

Steve Rosich was appointed CEO of the APL in December 2025 while FA welcomed Martin Kugeler as CEO in January.

Both have spoken previously about a desire to build a bridge between the two bodies and work more closely together.

FA chairman Anter Isaac said it was a vital move.

“It’s important that Football Australia and the Australian Professional Leagues continue working closely together to strengthen standards across the professional game and support the development of our players, officials and clubs,” Isaac said.

“Over the past year, both organisations have engaged in constructive and collaborative discussions to build greater alignment, clarity and long-term co-operation following the unbundling of the A-League’s from Football Australia. This will deliver stronger outcomes that will support continued growth, stability and development of the A-League’s and Australian football more broadly.”

APL chairman Stephen Conroy has been at the helm of the reforms at the APL.

“This agreement on historical matters is an important milestone for the growth of our game, and in the interest of the A-League’s and our clubs,” Conroy said.

“It also provides alignment on growth for the future, and a greater collective focus from both Football Australia and Australian Professional Leagues to work together to grow the A-League’s.”

FA KNOCKS BACK WESTERN UNITED RETURN BID

Football Australia has knocked back Western United’s bid to reclaim its A-Leagues licence — but the embattled club plans to appeal the decision.

Western United’s licence was placed on a 12-month hibernation by the APL after club owner Jason Sourasis faced financial issues, including a $15 million dispute with the ATO.

The matters relating to the club have been resolved in court.

Western United’s academy and community football programs continue to operate.

Football Australia issued a statement on Tuesday afternoon confirming that all clubs, with the exception of Western United, had met the criteria set out by the First Instance Body.

Western United have until 5pm on Friday to appeal.

The club published a statement on its website stating it was looking at avenues for appeal.

“We can assure the community that work continues behind the scenes to stabilise the club and secure a long-term sustainable future for football in Melbourne’s west,” the statement read.

“Importantly the club’s academy and community football programs continue to operate, supporting hundreds of young players and families across the region.

“We continue to work closely with key stakeholders regarding the future of hte club and we remain committed to finding the best possible outcome for our members, supporters, players, staff and the broader football community.”