Canberra United to continue in ALW after government support

Capital Football announced on Tuesday that Canberra United will be involved in the 2025/26 A-League Women season, following an injection of funds from the ACT Government.

The team has been in turmoil for the last few years, with Capital Football citing increasing costs and growth of the team and competition as factors hindering the ability of the member federation to run the team.

“The club are extremely appreciative of the continued financial support of the ACT Government and are now in the process of appointing the coaching staff and assembling a playing roster to participate in the league,” Capital Football CEO, Samantha Farrow, said.

“We strongly reiterate that this will be the final season that Capital Football be running Canberra United FC.

“As stated previously, the growth of the team, the competition, and the associated financial commitments has become too large for a Member Federation to adequately manage to the professional standards that these players deserve.”

In March, there were reports from The Canberra Times indicating that the APL had an offer on the table to purchase the club, as well as comments from Michelle Heyman in June that she had spoken to the clubs new owners following a Matildas game.

“I’ve had plenty of conversations with the new owners, and I’m pretty happy with what’s going on, so just waiting on the APL to just release everything, so [I’m] feeling confident within Canberra United,” Heyman said.

As an inaugural side in the A-League Women, then known as the W-League, the importance of having Canberra in the competition can not be understated, with the side having been crowned Champions twice and Premiers three times.

Canberra United will now commence the process to recruit the coaching staff and playing squad ahead of the new season.

“Canberra United is aware that there probably a lot of questions out there around the season ahead,” Farrow said.

“However, be assured that work is continuing behind the scenes to provide this information to our fan base as soon as we are able.”