FIFA places registration ban on Western United meaning A-League club can’t sign players in transfer window

Western United say they are taking steps to remove themselves from a FIFA transfer ban as the embattled A-Leagues club awaits the green light for new investment.

United appear on FIFA’s registration ban list, which can be accessed on the governing body’s website, meaning they would not be allowed to sign players for the next three transfer windows.

The registration ban list provides a record of clubs that are “temporarily prohibited from registering new players due to various infractions, such as financial disputes or regulatory breaches”.

As of April 30, United, who acknowledged the ban on Thursday, are banned from registering players until the January 2027 window.

“We are aware of one outstanding matter and we have already put steps in place to resolve this as soon as possible,” a club spokesperson said in a statement.

AAP understands the ban relates to a historic issue, not the current United playing group, and can be lifted if resolved.But it is yet another blow to a club that was at one point competing for the A-League Men premiership, has qualified for finals and can still finish top two and earn an Asian Champions League Elite berth.

United’s A-League Women team made the top six but lost their elimination final to Adelaide United.

There were delays to both men’s and women’s payments earlier this month.

It is understood players have now been paid.

Western Melbourne Group, owners of the expansion club which entered the ALM in 2019, has been the subject of reports it is struggling financially.

United have been adamant in recent months there is good news for the club on the way, which is widely expected to be new American investors in its ownership.

It’s not the first time an A-Leagues club has received a transfer ban.

Fellow expansion club Macarthur FC were placed on a ban in 2024 over a dispute with former manager Dwight Yorke, which was later resolved.