‘We are sorry’: Players released as Western United placed in A-League ‘hibernation’ mode

3 months ago 7

About 40 players have become instant free agents after beleaguered Western United were placed in “hibernation” for the upcoming A-Leagues season – a decision the club insists is not the end.

A mad scramble for new homes will now begin for United’s A-League Men and Women squads following an announcement on Saturday that they had been released from their contracts and that the western Melbourne club would be excluded from the top-tier competitions this season, with their club participation agreement put into a conditional pause.

As such, the men’s league will be reduced to 12 teams, while 11 will play in the women’s league.

Though the move – made in conjunction with Football Australia, the Australian Professional Leagues, the players’ union and the Wyndham City Council – brings much-needed certainty for players who have been left in limbo during the club’s months-long financial crisis, it remains to be seen whether United will return in season 2026-27.

That depends on the fate of the club’s appeal against the decision by an independent body to strip them of their licence, which is due to be heard next week, as well as the Australian Tax Office’s move to liquidate the company that held the licence due to unpaid debts, the timing for which has not been confirmed.

The ongoing saga has held up the release of fixtures for the A-Leagues, with the men’s competition due to begin in just six weeks, and has meant that all clubs have been unable to prepare with “necessary clarity” for the upcoming season, according to an APL statement.

There were three clubs in Victoria. Next season, there will be only two.

“The club needs time to work through these legal and regulatory proceedings and re-establish their financial and operating position, but with the timing and outcome for both up in the air, we need to progress with our plans for season 25-26 without Western United,” APL executive chairman Stephen Conroy said.

“This has been a difficult period for everyone involved with the club – especially the playing group who have faced uncertainty about their careers ahead of the transfer window closing and season starting … the club has admirably also agreed to release the players, so they can seek alternative employment.

“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, and Kat Smith, who heads up their women’s operations.

The club has been contacted for comment.

The club intends to continue operating its academy.

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.

“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.