Industrial action a possibility if Western United fails to pay players on time for fourth successive month

Western United players have put “trust” in the club to not again be late with the payment of their wages.

Western United players may consider strike action if the embattled A-League club is late in paying them for a fourth successive month.

Despite the players having been assured by the club they will be paid on Tuesday, this month’s pay day, they are ready to take action – with the backing of Professional Footballers Australia – should the “trust” be broken.

“The club has assured the players that this month’s wages will be paid on time and in full, and we trust that the club will keep its word in this respect,” a PFA spokesman said.

“It would be extremely disappointing if this turns out not to be the case and the players are left, once again, to fight for their most basic employment entitlement.”

Such is United’s financial state that players haven’t been paid on time for the past three months, leading to the PFA lodging breach of contract notices with the club.

On each of the three occasions, players and staff were paid within a 14-day deadline given by PFA to pay or run the risk of losing contracted players to other clubs.

Our next No.11, alongside some elite company 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/r367pBQJhu

— Western United FC (@wufcofficial) July 13, 2025

However, should wages again be late, the deadline could be limited to just two days, which if not met could lead to not only industrial action but also a demand that sporting sanctions be placed on United.

United’s plight also includes the club’s proposed $100m sale to KAM Melbourne not yet being approved by the Australian Professional Leagues – which runs the A-League – despite the club having announced in early May the acquisition of a controlling stake to the subsidiary of American company KAM Sports.

Should the ownership deal be rejected, there are grave fears about United’s ongoing existence.

United’s other problems also include being banned by FIFA from registering players.

The sanction is slapped on clubs for “various infractions, such as financial disputes or regulatory breaches”, according to FIFA’s website.

It’s understood United’s ban relates to a dispute between the club and its former striker, Aleksandar Prijovic.

The registration ban means that new United signing, former Sydney FC attacker Jaiden Kucharski, won’t be able to play for the club in its Australia Cup clash with the Sky Blues on July 29 at Ironbark Fields unless the matter is resolved before then.

Originally published as Industrial action a possibility if Western United fails to pay players on time for fourth successive month