Monaro Panthers will decide this weekend how to respond their axing by Capital Football from the Women's National Premier League.
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Capital Football announced on Friday the joint-venture Bella Monaro had been cut from the NPLW after a competition restructure.
In a further blow to the club, their youth team was dropped into the newly-formed second division for NPLY.
The club's committee met late Friday night in the wake of their culling from the women's competition to discuss their best response.
"We're heartbroken and very distressed. We're going to come together tonight and talk about our strategy moving forward," co-president Anthony Nicoletti said.
"This has come as a total shock to our girls, their families and the broader Monaro and Brindabella football family.
"It will, however, take us a while to digest the letter and provide a constructive response. But it's absolutely clear given the hard work everyone has invested in building a new and exciting foundation for women's regional football, we do not accept the decision."
It's another blow for women's football in the capital which looks to have missed its chance to host World Cup matches in 2023.
A disparity of talent led to Capital Football's decision to cut one team from the NPLW, making the league an eight-team competition.
It sees all Premier League divisions (NPL1 and NPL2 for men, NPL1 for women) align with an identical format and season length.
Tuggeranong United were also believed to be in the firing line but survived the culling, while Narrabundah FC was axed from NPL2.
All clubs were required to submit an application for the 2021 season, with Capital Football making the final call at a board meeting on Wednesday night.
Capital Football boss Phil Brown released a brief statement following the decision.
"I express my thanks to all of the clubs for their efforts in submitting applications and outlining their commitment to developing football across Canberra and the capital region," Brown said.
"The eight team format with three rounds across each of our NPL competitions will deliver competitive and challenging matches that will showcase a very high level of football.
"We will now turn our attention to preparing to deliver the 2021 NPL competitions."
Canberra United, meanwhile, is expected to announce more signings next week as the club looks to start their W-League preparations on November 16.
They've already announced 11 players for the upcoming season.