Canberra United fans fear they’ve attended their last ever A-League Women home game as doubt clouds the future of the competition’s foundation club.
A sea of ‘Save CU’ and ‘Keep Football in the Capital’ banners met United’s players in their 1-0 win against Sydney FC on Wednesday afternoon.
The match was played days after governing body Capital Football couldn’t guarantee the club would be in the ALW next season citing increasing operational costs.
They were to hand over the running of the club when the Australian Professional Leagues found a buyer for an A-League Men licence, but significant delays mean they’re unsure who will foot the bill in the immediate future.
At McKellar Park on Tuesday, players took protest signs from spectators and posed with them in the middle of the pitch, but were otherwise silent amid the ongoing confusion.
In a post-game press appearance, star midfielder Vesna Milivojević simply replied “no comment” when asked what toll the situation had taken.
Club media officials told reporters other players would not be available for interview if they were asked about the future of the side.
Coach Njegosh Popovich had a message for the fans who’d feared the club’s days were numbered.
“I'm not worried ... Canberra United supporters will always be here no matter where they are,” he said.
“I'm getting so many support messages from people that are interstate … if you're a Canberra supporter, you're always a true Canberra supporter.
“We can't control what's happening off the field, we can only control what's happening on the pitch and use that as a motivation.”
Capital Football has said the rising cost of running an ALW side was “significantly impacting” their bottom line.
They are exploring “all avenues” for extra investment alongside the Canberra ALM bid, the APL and local government, but said traditional revenue and funding streams were “exhausted”.
“We are aware developments are at a critical stage and conscious that players, coaches and supporters want clarity, as do we,” Capital Football CEO Samantha Farrow said.
“I can assure all involved, our intention is to see Canberra United on the pitch for Season 17, subject to improved investment.”
A mass exodus of players is feared if no guarantees are provided soon with Matildas striker Michelle Heyman indicating earlier this month players would walk and secure their futures with more stable clubs.
“The ALW without Canberra United would be a step backwards for women's professional football, limiting opportunities for elite players and turning fans away from the game,” Professional Footballers Australia co-chief Kathryn Gill said.
“The uncertainty surrounding the club's future in the A-Leagues is eroding the positive progress made by generations of players, while leaving the current players unsure about their immediate futures."
Sydney coach Ante Juric, who is from Canberra, said any world where United doesn’t compete next season would be a “disgrace”.
“They've been a powerhouse for years here … look at the crowds Canberra gets, their rightful place is to be in the league,” he said.
“I'm confident they won't be out of the league but you never know, and if it is the case then it's a disgrace in my book.”
