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Australian A-League side Western United stripped of licence

Melbourne-based A-League club Western United was stripped of its licence Friday, leaving the beleaguered side on the brink of folding just three years after winning the domestic title.

United joined Australia’s top-tier football competition in the 2019-2020 campaign as an expansion club, winning the grand final in only their third season.

But they have been in recent financial turmoil, with players and staff reportedly paid late in April, May and June.

They are also under a FIFA ban stemming from an unresolved financial dispute involving former striker Aleksandar Prijovic, which has left them unable to register new players.

Football Australia’s first instance board, an independent body dealing with club licensing, determined they did not meet the criteria to hold an A-League licence.

“As such Western United FC’s license has been withdrawn, effective immediately,” the governing body said in a statement.

“This outcome, while regrettable, reflects Football Australia’s ongoing commitment to upholding the integrity, stability, and fairness of competitions for all clubs, players, and stakeholders.

The club, coached by former Socceroo John Aloisi, said it would appeal.

The A-League is due to kick off in October.

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