Western United is in a race against time to secure their future in the A-League after being granted an extension to appeal the revocation of their license. The club now has until 10am on Thursday, August 21, 2025, to submit their appeal to Football Australia's Appeals Body.

Background of the Crisis

On August 8, 2025, Western United was stripped of their license for both the men's and women's A-League competitions due to severe financial difficulties. This decision has left the club on the brink of collapse, with players and staff in a state of uncertainty.

The Appeal Process

Initially, the club had until August 16 to file an appeal but requested an extension, which was granted. Football Australia confirmed the new deadline in a statement, emphasizing that failure to meet this deadline would result in the lapse of the right to appeal.

Community and Fan Support

Western United has expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from their fans and the community. The club remains committed to fighting for its survival, driven by the loyalty of its supporters.

Financial Turmoil

Despite winning the A-League Men championship just three years ago, the club's current ownership has failed to meet the financial criteria required to maintain their license. Issues such as delayed payments to players and staff, as well as superannuation contributions, have plagued the club for months.

Potential Takeover

In May 2025, American group KAM Sports announced a planned takeover of Western United, but the deal remains incomplete as KAM has not submitted its full ownership proposal to the Australian Professional Leaps.

Impact on the League

The ongoing saga is affecting other A-League clubs, which are yet to receive their fixtures for the upcoming season. This delay hampers their ability to plan and ramp up marketing and membership sales.

Looking Ahead

The A-League Men's season is scheduled to start on October 17, 2025, with the A-League Women's season kicking off on October 31. Western United's fate will significantly impact the league's dynamics as the deadline approaches.