Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) has today responded to the decision of the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) to remove Western United from 2025/26 A-Leagues Season. 

Earlier today, the APL confirmed its decision to remove Western United from the upcoming A-League Men and Women Seasons.
  
“This is devastating for the players, staff and fans,” PFA Chief Executive Beau Busch said.

“For months, players have shown exceptional professionalism and leadership despite repeated late payments, instability, and constant doubt about their futures. 

“These are people with families and bills to pay, who deserved far better, and they’ve been let down by governance failures and false promises.

“This matter should have been dealt with in May. However, despite being repeatedly urged to act, Football Australia refused to do so. APL and FA must ensure this never happens again and that separation delivers the stability and growth that was promised.

“How we got here is well known and was avoidable. The players expect accountability to ensure they have confidence that this will never happen again. 

“The PFA will continue to support the players and work with the APL to ensure the agreed salary cap and regulatory framework does not pose any barriers to continuing their employment in the A-Leagues.”

PFA Delegate and Western United A-League Women’s player Grace Maher commended the resilience of the playing group.  
 
“The resilience of this playing group has been incredible,” Maher said. “All we’ve wanted is the chance to play in a professional and stable environment. Instead, we’ve been forced to live with constant doubt about our futures. Players deserve better.” 

Fellow PFA Delegate and Western United Men’s goalkeeper Matt Sutton praised the players’ conduct.  
 
“This has been an incredibly tough period,” said Sutton. “We’ve continued to show up and give our all despite not knowing what comes next. 

“The disappointment is huge, but so is the pride in how the group has carried itself with professionalism. 

“On behalf of all the players I wanted to thank the fans and the staff who have been so supportive despite the challenges we have faced.”