South Melbourne’s bid to keep Western United out of Lakeside Stadium has succeeded, with the A-League Men club dropping plans to play games at the venue in the upcoming season.

Last Thursday, United announced plans to play seven home games at Lakeside in 2021-2022 – including two in the first six rounds.

However, South Melbourne immediately rejected the idea, with a strongly-worded statement indicating they intended to fight the A-League Men club’s plan.

“Lakeside Stadium and Albert Park is the home of South Melbourne FC and has been for over sixty years. Our licencing arrangements with Lakeside Stadium and the State Government ensures it will remain this way for decades to come,” a club statement read.

“South Melbourne FC has a stadium, we have a home and we are proud to call it our own.

“Executives at Lakeside Stadium and Melbourne Sports Centres have advised South Melbourne FC that contrary to the announcement made by Western United FC, there is no written or signed agreement in place with Western United FC or the Australian Professional Leagues to allow Western United FC access to Lakeside Stadium for the 2021/22 A-League season.

“South Melbourne considers Western United to be a direct competitor in the Melbourne, Victorian and Australian football market.

“Their acceptance to the A-League was based largely on the commitment to having a purpose-built football stadium constructed in Melbourne’s west. It is approaching three years since the A-League expansion clubs were announced and construction works have still not commenced. Western United’s use of Lakeside Stadium is not acceptable and South Melbourne FC will vigorously oppose any such plans.

“South Melbourne can confirm that it will be exercising all rights to prevent Western United FC from playing A-League matches at Lakeside Stadium.”

On Friday, the A-Leagues confirmed United – who plan to turn soil on their stadium site in Tarneit later this month – will instead play those games at AAMI Park.

South Melbourne FC  also confirmed that the proposed Western United FC home matches at Lakeside Stadium for the A-League Mens 2021/22 season have been moved to AAMI Park.

SMFC President Nicholas Maikousis said:”We welcome the outcome in this matter and acknowledge the consultative approach to bring this issue to a suitable conclusion

The club thanks all parties for a swift resolution and wishes Western United all the best moving forward”.