Where does Western United sit one week away from round one?

Image courtesy of The Australian

Western United has had a big couple of weeks.

They’ve signed Melbourne Victory hero turned nemesis Besart Berisha and they’ve also named a new CEO, Chris Pehlivanis.

But is all the noise surrounding the newcomers to the A-League blocking out what’s happening behind the scenes?

According to a statistic on Twitter, Western United’s membership numbers are extremely low, lower than what most would’ve hoped.

Understandably, as a new team you need time to establish yourself in the competition before you catch up with the rest of the sides.

But for a team based in Melbourne to have such a low membership rate, it’s quite alarming.

With the accumulated total of City and Victory fans larger than that of Sydney FC and the Wanderers, you would think more fans would be getting on board.

Especially those who may not have teams in the A-League at the time of writing this.

The AFL, despite being played during the winter, offers strong competition to the Melbourne based sides. The Big Bash League is also a popular competition amongst children and family during the summertime.

The A-League has certainly made the right move in introducing new sides to the competition. There’s still a week until the season gets underway and the above membership numbers were released on the 24th of September. So the situation, hopefully, could have changed since then.

So hopefully, we can see some more members donning the green and black in their first season, especially with the massive news that Berisha has returned to the A-League.

‘Bes’ and United will be tough opposition for any side this season, given their performances in pre-season have been more than admirable.

But come round one, it’d be nice to see large flocks of fans cheering on the troops from Truganina.

 

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Western United ruled out of 2026–27 A-League season

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Image Credit: Western United FC

Western United’s participation in the A-Leagues has officially been terminated, ending the club’s immediate pathway back into Australia’s professional football competitions.

The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) terminated Western United’s Club Participation Agreement on Monday, following months of discussions over the club’s future.

The decision comes after Western United’s attempt to secure a return to the A-League for the 2026–27 season was unsuccessful. Football Australia had previously determined that the club did not meet the requirements to retain its licence.

Western United has now turned its attention towards rebuilding the organisation under new ownership, with the club targeting a return to the A-League for the 2027–28 season.

In a statement, Western United said the termination creates an opportunity for “new custodians, new investment and a fresh start”, while emphasising the importance of maintaining the club’s identity in Melbourne’s west.

The club’s financial problems have been a major issue over the past two years with the club being placed into a conditional hibernation ahead of the 2025/26 A-League season.

The APL said its decision was made following the club’s breach of several obligations under the agreement, including compliance with Football Australia’s National Club Licensing Regulations.

The club’s proposed 2027–28 comeback will therefore depend on securing new investment, addressing its outstanding operational requirements and demonstrating that it can meet the conditions necessary to re-enter the A-Leagues.

While Monday’s decision brings an end to Western United’s current participation agreement, the club maintains that it is not the end for Western United.

Now, the club that won the A-League grand final just four years ago, will now turn its attention to restructuring the business and building a sustainable platform for a potential return to Australia’s professional football landscape.

 

 

Premier League clubs approve new strategic partnership proposal with EFL

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Image Credit: Shutterstock

The Premier League and its clubs have recently approved a funded proposal for a new long-term strategic partnership with the English Football League (EFL). The deal could deliver significant additional funding to clubs across the English football pyramid.

The proposal, approved on July 30, will now go to the EFL and its 72 member clubs for consideration. The agreement could begin from the 2026/27 season, subject to further discussions and approval.

The move follows years of debate over the distribution of Premier League revenues. It also comes as English football looks to establish a more sustainable financial settlement between the top flight and the EFL.

A new financial package

The Premier League has not released the full financial details of the proposal. Reporting from the BBC and Sky News indicates the package could provide an additional $2.86 billion (1.5 billion pounds) to EFL clubs over 10 years.

The agreement includes raising transfer levies from 4% to 6% and establishing a new lifeboat fund of $38 million (20 million pounds). This pool could be used to help any EFL club that goes into administration.

The funding would support clubs across the Championship, League One and League Two. It could also include dedicated investment to strengthen the wider football pyramid.

The Premier League confirmed in a statement it already commits $3 billion (1.6 billion pounds) every three years to the wider game and communities. The new proposal would significantly increase its financial support for the EFL.

EFL clubs to consider proposal

The EFL will now assess the proposal before presenting it to its member clubs. Those clubs will consider the financial benefits and wider implications of the agreement.

The proposed partnership would also operate within England’s wider football regulatory framework. The Independent Football Regulator has backstop powers if the leagues fail to reach an acceptable financial settlement.

The latest vote marks significant progress towards a new agreement between the Premier League and EFL. However, it does not complete the process.

Attention turns to final agreement

Negotiations over increased financial support for the EFL have continued for several years. The issue gained further importance after the financial difficulties clubs faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Premier League’s unanimous approval now shifts attention to the EFL and its member clubs. Discussions on a deal have been continuing as far back as 2021. It is critical that a deal is reached soon for English football.

Both sides must still agree on the final terms of the partnership. The process will determine how future funding reaches clubs and supports the wider English football pyramid.

For the EFL, the proposal offers the prospect of greater financial support. For the Premier League, it represents a major step towards a long-term settlement with the professional game below the top flight.

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