A-League 2022 champions Western United have had their licence taken away by Football Australia, according to reports.
The John Aloisi-coached club have reportedly had issues playing their players in recent months and were barred by FIFA from registering new signings after a dispute with former striker Aleksandar Prijovic.
There has been reports of a prospective takeover by American investors KAM Sports, however this has not yet happened, forcing Australia's football governing body to make a decision on the club's future.
A statement from a Football Australia spokesperson to Fairfax explained that Western United no longer met the organisation's criteria to be in the A-League.
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"As such, Western United FC’s license has been withdrawn, effective immediately," an FA spokesperson said.
"This outcome, while regrettable, reflects Football Australia’s ongoing commitment to upholding the integrity, stability, and fairness of competitions for all clubs, players, and stakeholders."
According to FA regulations, Western United have seven days to appeal the decision handed down.
Western United entered the A-League as the third Melbourne team in 2018 and won the A-League Championship in 2022, defeating Melbourne City in the grand final.
They finished third on the league table last season, but were eliminated in the semi-finals by eventual champions Melbourne City.