Western United will feel confident there is light at the end of the tunnel after a deal was struck to sell a controlling stake in the embattled A-Leagues club to American investors.
United’s finances have been under a microscope in recent months, while the club this week received a three-window ban from FIFA on registering new players.
There have also long been queries over whether the club is able to deliver on the promise of a full-size stadium in Tarneit that was the centrepiece of its successful bid to enter the league.
But the club has maintained hope new investors will be able to inject the cash required.
After several apparent false starts, KAM Melbourne, a subsidiary of “portfolio asset management” group KAM Sports, have stepped in, taking a majority stake in the club and parent company Western Melbourne Group.
The Kaminskis: chairman Maciek (MG) Kaminski and CEO Mikhail Kaminski are most well known for their failed attempts to purchase Everton in 2022-23.
“After a 12-month due diligence process and multiple visits to Melbourne, we are delighted to inject our capital, expertise and passion into Western Melbourne Group and its related entities,” said chairman Maciek (MG) Kaminski.
“This represents our first investment down under, and the combination of integrating sport and real estate to make a meaningful impact in the local community in the west attracted us to this opportunity.”
The transaction is subject to successful completion of the necessary approval processes by Wyndham City, the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) and regulatory processes by Football Australia (FA).
United’s future centres around housing the professional sports club in the midst of large-scale property development in Tarneit.
“Given our sporting ambitions, we look forward to building on the success of the club and supporting the team in its charge towards a second A-League Men’s title this season,” Kaminski said.
“More importantly, we aim to bring financial stability and sustainability to the club, and ensuring that it can become one of Australia’s leading professional sporting organisations and strong corporate partner for the league.”
Chairman of Western Melbourne Group, Jason Sourasis was “thrilled” with KAM’s commitment.
“We are thrilled by the significant investment and commitment from KAM Melbourne. It was important to partner with a group that aligned with our values and believed in the vision,” he said in a club announcement.
“It has been an intensive 12-month due diligence process, in which KAM Melbourne took the time to truly understand our vision and the role it will play in shaping the needs of a fast-growing community.
“This investment also marks a significant milestone for Wyndham City Council, Australian Football and Australian Sport in general. It will ensure the delivery of significant social and economic benefits for the City of Wyndham and the state of Victoria.
“Most importantly, it allows for the acceleration of sporting pathways for boys and girls in the West of Melbourne, allowing them to “Dream Big” whilst supporting their local teams and hopefully following in the footsteps of their sporting idols.”
United’s ALM team host Auckland at Ironbark Fields on Saturday.
With AAP
