Canberra expansion plans put on hold for A-League Men

George Clarke
AAP
A-League Men expansion into Canberra has been delayed again.
A-League Men expansion into Canberra has been delayed again. Credit: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Canberra will have to wait another 12 months to get an A-League Men team after plans to add a franchise to the competition were put on hold.

The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) had originally hoped to introduce Auckland and Canberra teams for the 2024/25 season.

While Auckland has already got the ball rolling by signing players, Canberra’s entry has been hit by constant delays that have forced the APL to pull the pin.

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“We are still in discussion with a preferred consortium for an A-League licence in Canberra, but they aren’t able to stand up a team in time for season 2024/25,” A-Leagues commissioner Nick Garcia said.

“The ACT has a fantastic football fan base, and we remain committed to Canberra and a 14th A-League team.

“We want to give new owners the proper runway to set up a team to ensure long-term success.

“The preferred consortium has the right capability - a mix of European top-flight experience, and local Canberra knowledge and relationships - and we continue to work with them.”

Canberra United - the longstanding A-League Women franchise - will continue to be run by Capital Football.

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