In a shock move, the US Women's Professional Soccer League (WPS) has been cancelled following a legal dispute with an ousted owner, a move which has a blocked the ambitions of some of Australia's best female footballers.
In a shock move, the US Women's Professional Soccer League (WPS) has been cancelled following a legal dispute with an ousted owner, a move which has a blocked the ambitions of some of Australia's best female footballers.
Westfield Matildas Kyah Simon and Tameka Butt had both signed contracts with WPS sides during the Westfield W-league off-season, but now find themselves searching for a new club to keep them playing regular football.
The WPS's board voted to suspend the 2012 season, following a convoluted legal dispute with Dan Borislow, former owner of South Florida franchise the magicJack.
Both Simon and Butt were due to join WPS side Boston Breakers ahead of the US season, and the news comes as a big blow to their ambitions to play in what is arguably the world's best women's football league.
Bill Drossos, manager for the two, released a statement on Tuesday saying Simon and Butt were "gutted" not to get their chance to play in America but that they would only move if the situation was right for them.
"Both Kyah and Tameka had offers from clubs around the world, specifically Sweden, Germany, France, Denmark and the UK before agreeing to terms with the Boston Breakers so this decision by the WPS after the clubs in the USA were assured the competition would proceed and were allowed to contract players is extremely disappointing," Drossos said.
"Accordingly, we will be looking at all legal avenues and recourse available to Kyah and Tameka on the termination of their contracts.
"Being only 20 years old, Kyah and Tameka have time on their side and so there is definitely no rush to get them overseas. The deal has to be right for them and has to reflect the quality that they would bring to any club."
In more positive news, fellow Matildas Kim Carroll and Leena Khamis have both returned to Denmark to play with Danish 3F League side Fortuna Hjorring, and will again be available to play in the UEFA Women's Champions League.
"Fortuna is very pleased that Kim Carroll and Leena Khamis are going to return to Hjorring" Fortuna manager John Robert Larsen said.
"For a number of years Fortuna Hjorring has had several Australian football players, all of whom have shown great quality both on the football pitch as well as socially in the club. Kim and Leena proved their qualities last year and Fortuna is looking forward to the return of these two Australian players."