Western United’s future seemingly secure despite player wages again being late

Western United officials are confident the club’s new ownership structure will be approved by the Australian Professional Leagues.

Western United’s A-League future is expected to be secured within two weeks despite the club being again late with the payment of player wages.

The financially embattled United announced on May 2 that KAM Melbourne, a subsidiary of American company KAM Sports, had bought a “controlling stake” – understood to be worth $100 million – in the club and its parent company, Western Melbourne Group.
However, the transaction had to be approved by Wyndham City Council, the APL and Football Australia.

And with the KAM Melbourne only having met this week with APL boss Stephen Conroy, the deal is yet to have been given the green light.

However, United officials are confident that the new ownership will be approved by early next month,

And despite not yet being ratified as the club’s new majority owners, KAM Melbourne was set to inject funds into United to ensure overdue wages were paid by Friday.

It’s the second time in two months that United has been late with the payment of wages, and it’s a situation that has angered Professional Footballers Australia chief executive officer Beau Busch.

Representing the west 💚

Rhys Bozinovski and Matt Grimaldi starred in the U23s first friendly against the Korea Republic! Whilst Abel Walatee and Kane Vidmar got minutes during the second matchup between the two sides 👏

Academy director Anthony Frost assisted in the dugout 🌟 pic.twitter.com/TuwWf5dTDs

— Western United FC (@wufcofficial) June 11, 2025

“The professionalism of the Western United players and staff in the most trying conditions is a testament to their character and commitment to Australian football,” Busch said.

“They are the victims of a governance model that is not fit for purpose and where FA and the APL appear unwilling to enforce their own regulations.

“Regrettably this has once again meant that the players are left to fight for their most basic entitlement as employees.

“We will continue to ensure the players have access to the full resources of the PFA.”

Meanwhile, Melbourne Victory have signed former Adelaide United midfielder Louis D’Ariggo on a two-year deal.

D’Arrigo, 23, has joined the Victory from Polish club Lechia Gdansk.

“Joining Melbourne Victory is an exciting step in my career,” D’Arrigo said.

“This is a club with an incredible culture, passionate fans, and a real hunger for success.

“To be part of that environment and have the chance to contribute is something I’m grateful for.”

Elsewhere, the Roar have confirmed the signing of former Wellington Phoenix, Newcastle Jets and Central Coast Mariners left-back James McGarry on a three-year deal.

News Corp Australia reported last week that McGarry was poised to join Brisbane from Scottish club Aberdeen, who last season loaned the New Zealand international to Greek outfit Athens Kallithea.

“Given my experience playing A-League football, I’m confident that I can hit the ground running and play the level of football that the club and city deserve,” McGarry said.