Canberra will have to wait another 12 months to get an A-League Men team after plans to add a franchise to the competition were put on hold. 

The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) had originally hoped to introduce Auckland and Canberra teams for the 2024/25 season. 

While Auckland has already got the ball rolling by signing players, Canberra’s entry has been hit by constant delays that have forced the APL to pull the pin. 

“We are still in discussion with a preferred consortium for an A-League licence in Canberra, but they aren’t able to stand up a team in time for season 2024/25,” A-Leagues commissioner Nick Garcia said. 

“The ACT has a fantastic football fan base, and we remain committed to Canberra and a 14th A-League team. 

“We want to give new owners the proper runway to set up a team to ensure long-term success.

“The preferred consortium has the right capability – a mix of European top-flight experience, and local Canberra knowledge and relationships – and we continue to work with them.”

Canberra United – the longstanding A-League Women franchise – will continue to be run by Capital Football.