Western United will not field teams in the 2025-26 A-League Men's and Women's competitions after being placed into hibernation by the governing body.
The decision from Australia Professional Leagues comes after the club's owners were placed into liquidation in August.
This essentially means Western United have had their A-Leagues licence stripped for at least the upcoming season, but the club is hopeful of getting it back.
The Sporting News explains what Western United's exclusion from the A-League means.
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Why is Western United not playing in the A-Leagues' 2025-26 season?
Western United have had both their men's and women's teams placed in hibernation for 12 months from the A-League's competition after their owner and operator WMG Football Club Limited were placed into liquidation in August.
The decision came after it emerged the club had a significant tax bill and unpaid wages and superannuation to players and staff, while the club also had a FIFA player registration ban.
What does this mean for Western United's players and coach John Aloisi?
All Western United's players have become free agents, with the players needing to find a new club to continue their career.
Their contracts have been terminated and they will not be paid by Western United going forwards.
Men's coach John Aloisi was contracted for another two seasons and currently remains in his role, despite not having any players or the team playing any matches this season
Several prominent men's Western United players have found gigs with new A-League Men clubs.
Select Western United players at new A-League Men clubs for 2025-26 season
- Ben Garuccio (Sydney FC)
- Abel Walatee (Sydney FC)
- Angus Thurgate (Western Sydney Wanderers)
- Rhys Bozinovsski (Perth Glory)
- Charbel Shamoon (Perth Glory)
- Matthew Grimaldi (Melbourne Victory)
- Ramy Najjarine (Wellington Phoenix)
- Jordan Lauton (Brisbane Roar)
- Besian Kutleshi (Melbourne City)
- Jake Najdovski (Adelaide United)
What does Western United's hibernation mean for the A-League 2026-26 season?
With Western United's exclusion from the A-League Men season, the amount of teams will reduce from 13 to 12 - meaning there will be no byes this season.
However, there will be a bye in the A-League Women competition with Western United's non-participation reducing teams from 12 to 11.
Will Western United return to the A-Leagues for 2026-27?
Having been placed in hibernation for 12 months, Western United are hopeful to resume being a competitive club for next season.
However, they must find a way to meet financial obligations in the next 12 months before that can possibly happen.
A statement from Western United after being placed in hibernation reads:
"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.
"Throughout the 2025/26 A-Leagues season, 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."