A-League’s Canberra expansion scrapped for a second year

Plans for a Canberra men’s team in the A-League’s have fallen through for a second year in a row- leaving the APL scrambling to find a solution for the struggling women’s outfit.

Maja Markovski of Canberra United reacts to a missed shot on goal during the round 13 A-League Women's match between Newcastle Jets and Canberra United at McDonald Jones Stadium, on January 25, 2025, in Newcastle, Australia. Picture: Getty Images

Plans for a Canberra men’s team in the A-League’s have fallen through for a second year in a row- leaving the APL scrambling to find a solution for the struggling women’s outfit.

A new Canberra side was originally supposed to join the ALM along with Auckland this season but failed to get off the ground.

An APL spokesman said on Thursday that the plans had once again failed to come together in time.

“We continue to be in discussions with four interested parties to progress and confirm an expansion license in Canberra. This process has taken longer than we would have liked, but it is imperative for the long term success of a future club in Canberra that we appoint the right ownership,” the spokesman said.

Maja Markovski reacts during a game for Canberra United. Picture: Getty Images

“We still believe in the proposition of a men’s and women’s Canberra A-Leagues club for this passionate football region, and we will continue to work hard to make this happen.

“Given it is now within eight months of the start of the 2025/26 A-League season, we have made the decision that any new men’s A-League licence would enter the competition in the following season (2026/27).

“It is important that new ownership has a long runway to set the club up for success on and off the field.”

While it won’t have a huge impact on the men’s league- other than a bye round remaining- it could prove detrimental to the women’s league.

The long running plan was for the new outfit to take on Canberra United’s ALW licence.

The side is currently run by Capital Football, the only side in the league run by a state based football organisation.

Sofia Christopherson in action for Canberra United. Picture: Getty Images

When the expansion deal fell through last season Capital Football declared it couldn’t afford to keep the women’s team afloat. They are only in this season’s competition thanks to a crowd funding campaign and $200,000 bail out from the ACT government. The government at the time made it clear it was a one off grant.

Capital Football will have only found it harder this season with APL significantly slashing its central distribution fund to all teams.

The APL spokesman said the organisation had been in contact with Capital Football.

“We are working with Capital Football, and a number of stakeholders, to explore options to help them continue to operate a women’s team next season until a long-term owner is in place,” the spokesman said.

Capital Football have been contacted for comment.

Originally published as A-League’s Canberra expansion scrapped for a second year