Canberra United’s A-Leagues place in doubt, as fans start fundraising campaign to secure future

Capital Football say it will need to find an extra $500,000 in order to keep much loved A-League’s women’s side Canberra United alive next season. 

Canberra United celebrates a goal during the A-League Women round 22 match against Brisbane Roar. Picture: Getty Images

Capital Football say it will need to find an extra $500,000 in order to keep much loved A-League’s women’s side Canberra United alive next season. 

The licence for the team, which has been in the A-Leagues’ competition since it was founded, was expected to be taken on by a new Canberra based men’s club in 2025 and beyond. 

But with Canberra United’s season over and the Australian Professional Leagues yet to confirm when or if a new Canberra team will join the men’s league in 2025 - Capital Football are now scrambling to keep the women’s team afloat. 

Michelle Heyman was sensational for Canberra United. Picture: Getty Images

Capital Football CEO Samantha Farrow made it clear in a statement last week that the organisation, which also looks after all grassroots competitions in Canberra, was not in a financial position to sustain Canberra United for its 17th season. 

Fans have since banded together launching a crowdfunding campaign - seeking to raise $300,000 for the women’s team.

In just more than 24 hours almost $8000 has been raised. 

Farrow said Capital Football had still not received any update from the APL regarding the new expansion side.

“We are aware that the APL are working closely with the preferred investment group for Canberra on an unforeseen challenge outside their control, and we continue to work with them closely to inform our efforts,” Farrow said.

“As mentioned previously, on its own, Capital Football will be unable to commit to the next season of Canberra United without significant investment support.

“We want Canberra United to continue and be successful.”

Alex McKenzie celebrates Canberra United’s win against the Roar. Picture: Getty Images

Farrow said Capital Football was working to secure a $200,000 investment from the ACT and Federal Government and other investors. “This immediate investment decreases the overall financial risk to Capital Football, and we believe the remaining deficit can be made up through several supplementary initiatives,” Farrow said.

“Given the need for external investment into the Club, Capital Football welcomes the support of the working group, Save Canberra United however is yet to meet with the organisers.

“Capital Football are happy to collaborate with Save Canberra United and will meet with them next week.

“We first received correspondence from the organisers of Save Canberra United over the Easter weekend and our Chair, Angelo Konstantinou, contacted them directly seeking more details on their proposals which was provided late on Thursday April 4.”

Vesna Milivojević in action for Canberra United. Picture: Getty Images

Farrow said the organisation was working on other cost raising measures such as new merchandise, sponsorship packages and investment options.

“In total, we are seeking up to $500,000 in investment to support Season 17,” Farrow said.

“Our unwavering intent here is to procure immediate investment or commercial support to support Canberra United in Season 17.

“This is the immediate priority for Capital Football.” 

It isn’t the only A-Leagues club in doubt for next season with Newcastle Jets still without a buyer. 

It is understood the US based consortium who had been the front runners to buy the club has withdrawn their offer.

Newcastle Jets CEO Shane Mattiske confirmed there were still other interested parties.

“There are at least four parties actively involved in the due-diligence process,” Mattiske said. 

”Two of them have made formal offers.

The ownership group is reviewing those offers and assessing them in relation to closing a deal in the very near future.”

Originally published as Canberra United’s A-Leagues place in doubt, as fans start fundraising campaign to secure future