Western United's A-Leagues future remains in the balance after Football Australia announced it had failed to satisfy the mandatory criteria set out in the regulations for A-Leagues club licensing. The First Instance Body (FIB) met on 14 May to determine all club licensing outcomes for the 2026-27 A-Leagues season under Football Australia's National Club Licensing Regulations. The embattled club sat out the 2025-2026 season. Amid concerns over unpaid wages and superannuation – and while under a FIFA registration ban – Western were stripped of their A-Leagues licence by Football Australia (FA) in August. A wind-up order followed, and men's and women's players and staff were all left in limbo and unable to join new clubs until the Australian Professional Leagues put the club into hibernation on 6 September. The FIB confirmed all current A-League teams, with the exception of Western United FC, have satisfied the mandatory criteria set out in the regulations for A-Leagues club licensing purposes. Western United FC has until 5pm on Friday 22 May to appeal the FIB's decision. Should Western United choose to appeal, they will be heard by the Appeals and Entry Control Body (A&ECB). In a statement on its website, Western United said it acknowledges Football Australia's determination regarding the club licensing process for the 2026-27 season. The club is currently reviewing the determination and the available pathways moving forward including its appeal rights and ongoing discussions with relevant football stakeholders. We can assure the community that work continues behind the scenes to stabilise the club and secure a long-term sustainable future for football in Melbourne's west. Importantly, the club's academy and community football programs continue to operate, supporting hundreds of young players and families across the region. We continue to work closely with key stakeholders regarding the future of the club, and we remain committed to finding the best possible outcome for our members, supporters, players, staff and the broader football community. We will provide a further update in the coming month, as we work towards returning bigger, stronger and better for the future of football in the west.