Western United have vowed to return \u201cbigger, stronger and better\u201d as they review next steps after Football Australia announced the club had failed to satisfy the mandatory criteria set out in the regulations for A-League licensing.<\/p>\n
Western sat out the 2025-26 A-Leagues seasons after the financially embattled club were placed in hibernation by the Australian Professional Leagues, having been stripped of their license by FA in August last year.<\/p>\n
Head coach John Aloisi departed and all senior men\u2019s and women\u2019s players were forced to find new homes, and the 2022 champions\u2019 future remains uncertain after FA confirmed \u201call current A-League teams, with the exception of Western United, have satisfied the mandatory criteria set out in the Regulations for A-Leagues club licensing purposes\u201d based on documentation provided by teams.<\/p>\n
Today is absolutely HUGE for Melbourne Victory. <\/p>\n
Disappointing news for Heidelberg United’s dreams of playing continental football.<\/p>\n
Why this decision? https:\/\/t.co\/yje2v93tbc<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/yQcGaDGCU6<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Football360.com.au (@football360au) May 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n FA said Western United have until 5pm on Friday, May 22 to appeal the First Instant Body\u2019s (FIB) decision. Should Western United choose to appeal, they will be heard by the Appeals & Entry Control Body (A&ECB).<\/p>\n \u201cClub licensing Regulations are mandated by the AFC to ensure consistency, transparency and due process in all licencing decisions,\u201d FA said.<\/p>\n Western United \u2013 who have refused to give up home of returning to A-Leagues competition<\/a> \u2013 released a statement in response, which read: \u201cWestern United FC acknowledges Football Australia\u2019s determination regarding the Club Licensing process for the 2026\/27 season.<\/p>\n Western United FC acknowledges Football Australia\u2019s determination regarding the Club Licensing process for the 2026\/27 season.<\/p>\n The Club is currently reviewing the determination and the available pathways moving forward.<\/p>\n Full statement below.https:\/\/t.co\/e8jcddlSrV<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Western United FC (@wufcofficial) May 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThe Club is currently reviewing the determination and the available pathways moving forward including its appeal rights and ongoing discussions with relevant football stakeholders.<\/p>\n \u201cWe 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\u2019s west.<\/p>\n \u201cImportantly, the club\u2019s academy and community football programs continue to operate, supporting hundreds of young players and families across the region.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u00a0continue to work closely with key stakeholders regarding the future of the club, and we\u00a0remain committed to finding the best possible outcome for\u00a0our\u00a0members, supporters, players, staff and the broader football community.<\/p>\n \u201cWe will provide a further update\u00a0in the coming month, as we work towards returning\u00a0bigger, stronger and better for the future of football in the west. No further comment will be made at this stage.\u201d<\/p>\n MORE READING ON WESTERN UNITED<\/p>\n A LIFELINE?: APL CEO on saving Canberra United as surprise twist emerges in Western United\u2019s future<\/a><\/p>\n HOLDING OUT HOPE: Western United eye \u2018strong return to the A-Leagues\u2019, tax debts paid<\/a><\/p>\n