ACT Government steps in with funding to save Canberra United from dropping out of A-League Women competition

April 20, 2024

Finance / Government / Sport /

Canberra United will continue playing in the A-League Women competition next season after the ACT Government stepped in with a $200,000 bailout.

With the club's future in the competition having been uncertain for months due to a lack of funding, ACT Minister for Sport and Recreation Yvette Berry on Wednesday, wrote to the Samantha Farrow, Chief Executive of governing body Capital Football, offering the financial lifeline.

The letter stated "I write to advise that the ACT Government has agreed to offer Capital Football an additional $200,000 as per your request, to further support the operational budget for Canberra United in the 2024/25 season.

"This offer is in recognition of the ACT Government's commitment to one of Canberra's most beloved teams.

"We acknowledge the role that Canberra United plays in inspiring women and girls in our community."

The future of Canberra United has been uncertain for some months, with Capital Football in a dire financial position.

The team played their final match of the A-League Women season last month, knowing it may be the last the club played.

Minister Berry made clear to Capital Football the government's financial boost would be a one-off, noting “please note that this funding uplift offer will only be provisioned for one year in 2024/25 and will not form the foundation of, or set any precedent for, any future negotiation discussions regarding partnership fee funding.

"Further, noting the current four-year agreement expires on 30 June 2025, any future agreement would require a financial due diligence to be undertaken to provide assurance that Canberra United is a viable ongoing concern."

The ACT Government's $200,000 comes on top of a $250,000 contribution they brought forward earlier this year.

A statement on the club website advised “we thank the football community for supporting Canberra United through the ‘Save Canberra United’ fundraising campaign, and that, coupled with this generous contribution from the Government, certainly helps the club in our immediate requirements, but we still have some shortfall to cover costs for the new season.”

Farrow confirmed the funding boost would mean the club could commit to fielding a team next season, confirmed that there had been "some shortfall to cover costs" before that could happen.

Image: Canberra United will continue in the A-League Women competition thanks to funding from the ACT Government. Credit: Canberra United/X.

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