A-Leagues: Desperate fight to save Canberra United’s women’s side from collapse

Canberra United’s future in the A-League's depends on an outside investor or the mystery new men’s expansion team getting off the ground. ERIN SMITH reports.

Canberra United’s future in the A-League’s Women’s competition depends on further investment from an outside source or the mystery bidder for the men’s expansion A-League licence coming through.

The club has been owned and operated by Capital Football for 16 seasons – the only state football organisation to run its own A-League side.

Capital Football CEO Samantha Farrow said running the side had put the team in a financial black hole for the past two seasons and it was jeopardising their grassroots programs.

It isn’t an issue that has just affected Canberra United – Perth Glory has been in trouble, Newcastle Jets is currently searching for a new owner and Brisbane Roar has also had issues.

Even the organising body – Australian Professional Leagues – was forced to make half of its workforce redundant earlier this year.

Moving forward it had been expected the proposed new men’s expansion side, to be based in Canberra, would swallow up the women’s licence as well.

With the season wrapping up at the end of the week, and no answers on the expansion side, questions have been asked about Canberra United’s future.

Michelle Heyman celebrates a goal for Canberra United but for how much longer will fans of the club see moments like this? Picture: Mark Nolan/Getty Images

The APL have given teams in financial crisis a helping hand before – such as Perth Glory – but new Independent Chair Stephan Conroy made it clear last week they were no longer in a position to continue that practice.

An APL spokesman said: “The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) is working hard to progress and confirm expansion in Canberra. The expansion license incorporates both a license to participate in the Liberty A-League Women’s and Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s competitions.

“Canberra is a fantastic football market and we want to ensure that any new owner is the perfect fit for the passionate football region. We are in advanced negotiation with one party and hope to be making an announcement on that soon.”

The uncertainty is cruel to the women’s players who mostly operate on part-time contracts – once the season wraps up at the end of the week they won’t receive another pay check.

And with most on single-season contracts many have no idea if they will be able to play professional football in Australia next season.

Professional Footballers Association co-chief executive Kathryn Gill said if the side was to collapse it would be a huge step backwards.

“Canberra United is a foundation A-League Women’s club with a storeyed history, deeply engaged supporter base and exceptional talent that has contributed to our national team’s success.

“The A-League Women without Canberra United would be a step backwards for women’s professional football, limiting opportunities for elite players and turning fans away from the game.

“The uncertainty surrounding the club’s future in the A-League's is eroding the positive progress made by generations of players, while leaving the current players unsure about their immediate futures.”

PFA Deputy Chief Executive Kathryn Gill fears the ramifications of Canberra United folding. Picture: AAP Image/James Gourley

Fans are so desperate to see the side continue in the league they launched a petition calling for a decision – which in less than 24 hours has more than 1700 signatures.

Farrow said the expansion of the women’s competition to 22 games had dramatically increased the running costs.

“Capital Football has invested over $2.5 million in Canberra United across the past two seasons, as well as doubling the club’s annual budget since 2020/2021,” Farrow said.

“Questioning Capital Football and its Board’s commitment to women’s football is simply unfair and unwarranted.

“Capital Football is the only member federation that runs its own A-League side and has successfully done this for 16 seasons, however the rising cost of running an A-League side has had a significant impact on our bottom line.

“The Canberra United season now comprises 22 games, as opposed to 12 games in 2020/2021, and 14 games in 2021/2022. This has considerably raised the cost of running a full-time professional side and has put significant pressure on our financial standing as evidenced by the reported deficit in 2022, with another deficit anticipated for 2023.”

 Farrow said Capital Football wanted to see Canberra United remain in the A-League women’s competition next season and well into the future.

The extended season of the A-League Women has put a financial strain on Canberra United. Picture: Mark Nolan/Getty Images

But with the organisation also responsible for delivering competitions and development opportunities to grassroots players Farrow said operating at a continued loss was not an option.

“Football has over 15,000 participants, across all areas of our game. Continuing to run at a loss will affect each individual and the ongoing viability of our competitions making additional sources of revenue vital to our success,” Farrow said.   

“The fact is the men’s A-League bid is a key factor in a sustainable elite level presence in the region. We are aware developments are at a critical stage and conscious that players, coaches, and supporters want clarity, as do we.

“I can assure all involved, our intention is to see Canberra United on the pitch for Season 17, subject to improved investment.”

Farrow said they were exploring all options having exhausted all traditional revenue and funding streams.

“ We are working alongside the Canberra A-League bid, the  APL, and the ACT Government to explore additional opportunities.”  

Originally published as A-Leagues: Desperate fight to save Canberra United’s women’s side from collapse