Western United's men's and women's teams have been removed from the A-Leagues. (Getty Images: Sarah Reed)
Western United's time in the A-Leagues is over, with the Australian Professional Leagues terminating the club's participation agreement.
The club was removed from the competition in 2025 as it fell into debt.
United was granted a licence in 2018 after promising to build its own stadium, and won the ALM championship in 2021-22.
Western United has had its A-Leagues participation agreement terminated, effectively ending any flicker of hope of the troubled club making a return.
United has essentially been an A-Leagues club in name only for more than a year amid varied financial woes, which included not paying players and staff.
The club was placed into hibernation by the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) in September 2025, with A-League Men and Women players having to scramble to continue their careers elsewhere.
Ownership West Melbourne Group avoided a wind-up order from the Australian Tax Office in January by settling a $15.5 million tax debt.
Football Australia declined to reinstate the Tarneit-based club's licence in May and United again won't participate in either the ALM or ALW.
West Melbourne Group have another wind-up hearing in the Federal Court on Tuesday and on Monday the APL officially terminated their participation agreement in the A-League competitions.
Western United won the A-League Men's grand final in 2022. (Getty Images: Robert Cianflone)
"Since the club was placed into conditional hibernation in September 2025, the APL has been in close consultation with Western United as they've worked through financial, governance and legal matters to try and rebuild the club," APL chair Stephen Conroy said in a statement.
"The APL board has since taken the decision to terminate Western United's club participation agreement.
"The club was in breach of a number of its obligations under that agreement, including its obligation to comply with the Football Australia National Club Licensing Regulations.
"It's been a difficult period for everyone connected to Western United — and we want to acknowledge the management, staff, players and especially the fans — who have given so much to the club and will no doubt be hurt by this news."