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Canberra fc

A David Polkinghorne article paywalled about Canberra utd being saved again, this time with new owners.
 
Ange's high line said:
Error, it's a journo named David Polkinghorne.
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United saved .. again! Details of historic deal to save Canberra team​

David Polkinghorne

By David Polkinghorne
Updated March 20 2025 - 11:11am, first published 10:34am
1 Comment

Canberra United is on the verge of being saved - once and for all.

And it could create A-League history in the process.

The Canberra Times can reveal the Australian Professional Leagues, which run the A-Leagues, have an offer in front of them to purchase Canberra United's A-League Women's licence.

It's believed the prospective owners want to have the deal finalised within the coming weeks so they can take charge as soon as the current ALW season ends.

In another exciting development, The Canberra Times can also reveal Canberra's A-League Men's bid is at an advanced stage of discussions with a number of parties.



With United's future sorted, it would ease the pressure on the APL and give them time to choose the best investor for an ALM side.
Canberra United players could have some good news to celebrate in the coming weeks. Picture by Karleen Minney

Canberra United players could have some good news to celebrate in the coming weeks. Picture by Karleen Minney

The only other alternative that would keep United alive is for Capital Football - the ACT's soccer federation - to continue running the ALW club.

But it's meant soccer's governing body has been running at a loss - to the detriment of grassroots soccer.

It's believed ACT Sports Minister Yvette Berry is considering upping the government's funding to $550,000 to keep the ALW club alive - an extra $100,000 on top of what they received for the current season.

But United are on the verge of having their first independent owner. Capital Football have run them since their inception.

All other ALW teams are associated with an A-League Men's team.

It would create A-League history in two regards.
ACT Sports Minister Yvette Berry is considering increasing Canberra United's funding again. Picture by Karleen Minney

ACT Sports Minister Yvette Berry is considering increasing Canberra United's funding again. Picture by Karleen Minney

Firstly, it would be the first time an ALW licence had been bought, setting a market value for an ALW team in the process.

The Canberra Times believes the prospective United owner will guarantee a multi-million-dollar investment for at least three years.

It could see Canberra United return to being one of the powerhouses of the A-League and provide their players with increased security.

It could also lead to other A-League clubs increasing their investment in their women's teams.



Due to their financial struggles, Capital Football has been unable to provide United players with multi-year deals - something that would change if a new owner took over.

It would also provide a massive financial boost to Capital Football, which would effectively have an instant cash injection by no longer having to fund United - boosting grassroots football in the process.

The investor is known to the ACT government and has been working with them on other investments into the region.

They want to have the deal done within a month - which would be before the end of the ALW regular season - so they can start signing players.

They're considering bringing back the Canberra United Academy, which Capital Football axed about 18 months ago.

The prospective owner is open to rolling their investment into any future combined Canberra ALW and ALM club.

Currently, Capital Football only has a participation licence, which was renewed on a yearly basis, whereas the interested party would own the licence outright - ensuring Canberra had a permanent team.

United will play archrivals Sydney FC at McKellar Park on Saturday. Picture by Sitthixay Ditthavong

United will play archrivals Sydney FC at McKellar Park on Saturday. Picture by Sitthixay Ditthavong

It's a massive boost for United, who were preparing to face archrivals Sydney FC at McKellar Park on Saturday.

A large crowd's hoped for off the back of Canberra United's first school visits on Monday.

They have unfinished business against Sydney, after the APL gifted Sydney the three points the last time the two teams met - despite there being more than 36 minutes remaining in the abandoned game.

Canberra were trailing 2-0 at Leichhardt Oval in January when the game was abandoned due to lightning.

It's not the first time the APL has made a controversial ruling against Canberra and in favour of Sydney.

They stripped United of their three points for their 2-1 win two years ago because a refereeing error allowed Canberra to make an illegal substitution - in the 93rd minute of the game.

Thankfully Football Australia reversed that decision after United's appeal.

A-LEAGUE WOMEN ROUND 20
Saturday: Canberra United v Sydney FC at McKellar Park, 4pm.


David Polkinghorne

David Polkinghorne​

Sports journo
Covering the Raiders, Cavalry, cycling and racing, plus everything else that involves sport in the ACT, for The Canberra Times. Basically I love sport and watching it is a full-time job. Email: david.polkinghorne@canberratimes.com.au

All Comments​

Comment by Northside Resident.​

NR
Northside Resident18 min ago
The Government should not be thinking about the investment they should just do it considering the money they give to GWS who are not even a local team unlike this one!
 
melbcityguy said:
So that means the men get in next season and we can do away with the bye round?
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Nope. It doesn't say the mens side have an owner yet. By the time they do (if they do), there won't be enough time before the start of next season. If/when they come in, it will be the 26/27 at the earliest.
 
someguyjc said:
Nope. It doesn't say the mens side have an owner yet. By the time they do (if they do), there won't be enough time before the start of next season. If/when they come in, it will be the 26/27 at the earliest.
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Bloody hell. I mean I'm happy for the women but the bye round pisses me off
 
What happens with one owner for the women's and a different owner for the men's? Is it the same club? Finances? Brand? IP?
 
yer talk about a misaligned project, one day 2 owners under the same club brand.
Just asks for trouble ahead.
 
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