Former Australian champions Western United go under

Beleaguered A-League club Western United were placed into liquidation on Friday just three years after winning the Australian domestic title.

The Melbourne-based team joined Australia’s top-tier football competition in the 2019-2020 campaign, winning the grand final in only their third season.

But they have been in financial turmoil and were stripped of their A-League licence last month.

The Federal Court hammered the final nail in their coffin by ordering Friday its management group be wound up in insolvency.

Australian Professional Leagues, the A-League’s governing body, said it was a sad day for the game.

“We are extremely disappointed to learn that WMG Football Club Limited, the company which owns and operates Western United Football Club, has been placed into liquidation,” said APL chairman Stephen Conroy.

“This is a difficult time for all of the fans, staff, players and coaches of Western United, and we acknowledge their hard work and commitment to the club through challenging circumstances over the last six years.”

The A-League is due to kick off in October and Conroy said they were planning the fixture schedule without Western United, although there may be avenues for the club to appeal the court ruling.

“While this is tough news, we remain steadfast in our commitment to continue the sustained growth across our leagues, and our planning is ongoing to ensure another strong and successful A-Leagues season,” he said.