US investors take control of A-League club after missing out on EPL bid

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 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 while APL chairman Stephen Conroy, who recently made it clear to clubs they needed to start spending within their means, welcomed the imminent sale.

“The pending sale of Western United to KAM Melbourne marks an exciting new chapter for the club, the community and Australian football more broadly,” Conroy said.

“With KAM Melbourne’s demonstrated commitment to growing the game and commitment to building the stadium, this partnership brings fresh energy and enormous potential for success on and off the field.”

United’s ALM team host Auckland at Ironbark Fields on Saturday.

© AAP