Overview

• Western United were placed in a 12-month hibernation by the APL after owner WMG Football Club Limited entered liquidation, with reports of tax debts, unpaid wages and superannuation, and a FIFA registration ban.
• All Western United player contracts were terminated, creating free agents, and several have signed elsewhere including Ben Garuccio and Abel Walatee to Sydney FC, Angus Thurgate to Western Sydney, and Ramy Najjarine to Wellington.
• The A-League Men field drops from 13 to 12 teams with no byes, while the Women’s competition falls to 11 teams with a bye following Western United’s absence.
• The 2025–26 season opens on Friday with Adelaide United hosting Sydney FC, followed by Brisbane Roar vs Macarthur, before a full slate featuring Victory vs Auckland and Wanderers vs Melbourne City.
• Coach John Aloisi remains contracted to Western United despite the shutdown, and the club says a 2026–27 return depends on resolving financial and regulatory conditions within the next year.