The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) has taken control of the Central Coast Mariners and will oversee the search for a new owner.
In a statement on Monday the APL said the club had forfeited its Club Participation Agreement (CPA) required to operate teams in the men’s and women’s A-Leagues, triggering the APL to revoke the agreement.
“The APL Board is resolute in its commitment to fans and stakeholders to protect the game’s best interests, and make decisive action to ensure the ongoing growth, stability and integrity of the A-Leagues,” APL chair Stephen Conroy said.
“As custodians of the game, we believe it is the best course of proactive action - for the short and long term interest of the Club - to terminate the current CPA under the current ownership, and run an expedited and robust sale process to find a new and stable long-term owner for the Mariners.”
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Conroy stressed the APL’s ongoing commitment to the Central Coast Mariners who have been A-League Champions three times, most recently in 2024.
“They’ve shown with the right investment and community engagement, they have a vibrant fanbase and a proven ability to consistently compete for on field success,” he said.
“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 success.”
Monday’s announcement comes at time of heightened scrutiny over the Mariners’ ownership following reports that former Sydney Olympic FC President Damon Hanlin—who was appointed director, secretary and sole shareholder of newly established entity Central Coast Mariners Football Club Pty Ltd in September 2025—had submitted a formal application to acquire the Central Coast A-Leagues club earlier this month.
While the club’s ownership future is now unclear, the APL has indicated there will be no changes to the operations or fixtures of the Mariners men’s or women’s sides, with club management saying it will work with the APL to assist with the sale process.
The APL have taken over management of the Central Coast Mariners, following the forfeiture of their Club Participation agreement.
— Isuzu UTE A-League (@aleaguemen) January 12, 2026
The APL has made this decision to ensure stability and continuity for the Club, whilst a sales process is run with interested parties.
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