The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) confirmed it’s taken over the management of the Central Coast Mariners on an interim basis while a sales process is completed.
It comes after the operator of the organisation notified the APL of the forfeiture of the football club’s participation agreement (CPA).
As such, the Australian Professional Leagues opted for proactive action by terminating the CPA.
The APL made the decision to safeguard stability and continuity for the A-League club, its players, staff, partners and fans, while in the middle of the 2025/26 season.
For the short term, its focus will be to ensure the ongoing obligations of Central Coast are met and operations continue.
“The APL Board is resolute in its commitment to fans and stakeholders to protect the game’s best interests,” APL chair Stephen Conroy said.
“That means taking decisive action to ensure the ongoing growth, stability and integrity of the A-Leagues.
“As custodians of the game, we believe it is the best course – for the short and long-term interest of the club – to terminate the current CPA under the present ownership and run an expedited and robust sale process to find a new and stable long-term owner for the Mariners.
“We believe in the value that Central Coast brings to the A-Leagues.
“They’ve shown with the right investment and community engagement, they boast a vibrant fanbase and a proven ability to consistently compete for on field success.
“We are confident that with the engaged local and international interest, we can find the right buyer for the Mariners to take the club forward and ensure their long-term sustainability.”
At the moment, the men’s side sits in 12th position, despite a promising start to 2025/26.
The women’s team, and reigning champions, occupies third spot on the ladder.
Central Coast management has indicated it’ll work with the APL to assist the transition and the forthcoming sale process.
There will be no changes to the Mariners’ A-Leagues fixtures this weekend, when they face Macarthur FC at home in the ALM on Saturday and against Perth Glory, also at polytec Stadium, in the ALW on Sunday evening.
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