It's not just World Cup fever Canberra soccer fans have to get excited about, but a massive A-League update as well. Subscribe now for unlimited access. Login or signup to continue reading Capital Football chief executive Samantha Farrow revealed the Australian Professional Leagues, which runs the A-Leagues, have selected a preferred partner - but she wasn't expecting an official announcement before the end of next week. It's believed early July could be a more realistic time for an announcement. It not only means the future of Canberra United is finally close to being guaranteed, but the capital's bid for an A-League Men's team is also coming to fruition. Farrow wrote to Canberra United members on Friday, revealing the APL had closed in on its selected partner. After a three-year search, the APL was undergoing due diligence on two parties who were interested in owning a Canberra club. The APL told The Canberra Times it had nothing to add from last week's update , where chief executive Steve Rosich was "finalising the due diligence process". But it appears it's taken a massive step towards not only saving Canberra United but securing an ALM team as well. The APL announced Canberra and Auckland as its two preferred expansion locations in March 2023. Capital Football had been running United, but could no longer afford to operate the A-League Women's team with the past season its last in charge. The APL will need to take its preferred partner to the board, with the next scheduled meeting in early July. It's believed United will play in next summer's ALW, while the new men's team would likely enter the ALM the following season. "The APL has recently advised us that it has now selected a preferred party and they are progressing through the final stages of the process," Farrow wrote. "Once these steps have been completed, a formal announcement will be made by the APL. "At this stage, we are not expecting any announcement before June 26. "While progress has not moved as quickly as any of us would have liked, we are optimistic that a positive outcome will be achieved and announced before the end of the month. "We expect that the time taken for this process will ensure that the club remains a strong and sustainable part of the national competition, as well as an important part of the football landscape in our region." Farrow said Capital Football hasn't been involved in or consulted during the negotiations between the APL and prospective owners. She was mindful of the toll the past few years of uncertainty over Canberra United's future had taken on players, coaches and fans. Despite that uncertainty, United still managed to finish the past regular season in third before bowing out in the first week of finals. "We acknowledge most particularly the impact upon Canberra United players, coaches, staff, members and sponsors," Farrow wrote. "Throughout this process, Capital Football has consistently advocated to the APL for greater urgency and more timely communication." David Polkinghorne More from Business and Finance One Nation's superannuation policy preys on desperate Australians 'Had no choice': Home Affairs staff census shows how hard job cuts have hit agency Lonsdale Street businesses face 'perfect storm' for closures How I was seduced by a stranger from China Hanson's super cut risks $15b pension blow out leaving retirees worse off How a coal miner invented a card game to help his kids 'wind down' at bedtime Newsletters & Alerts

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