Western United has been handed a significant blow as FIFA has imposed a player registration ban on the A-League club, prohibiting them from signing any new players for the next three transfer windows, lasting until 2027. The specific reasons behind the ban are not fully disclosed; however, FIFA indicated it stems from “various infractions, such as financial disputes or regulatory breaches.”
The club has recently faced issues related to delayed wage payments to players, although it has since rectified these delays. A FIFA spokesperson highlighted that the registration ban is essential to maintain transparency and compliance within the sport.
Despite this setback, a representative from Western United has confirmed they are actively working to resolve the outstanding matters that led to the ban. They acknowledged one specific issue and assured steps are being taken to address it promptly. Should they manage to resolve the underlying problems, the ban could potentially be lifted; otherwise, the club will remain unable to engage in player transfers until February 2027.
This situation adds to the club’s ongoing financial struggles, which have been under scrutiny in recent years. Reports suggest that Western United is poised to announce a partnership with American investors, a move that may bolster its financial stability.
Western United is not alone in facing such penalties in the A-League; Macarthur FC received a similar ban in October 2022, which prohibited them from signing players until compensation was paid to former coach Dwight Yorke after his dismissal. That ban was also eligible for lifting upon resolution of the payment issue.
As Western United moves forward, securing a resolution will be crucial not only for the club’s immediate future but also for rebuilding its reputation and competitiveness in the league.