January 19 – The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) has taken interim control of the Central Coast Mariners after terminating the club’s current participation agreement, moving to stabilise one of the A-Leagues’ most established teams while a new ownership group is sought.
The decision follows notification from the Mariners’ operator that it had forfeited its Club Participation Agreement (CPA). In response, the APL stepped in to end the existing arrangement and take direct management of the club for the remainder of the process, ensuring day-to-day operations continue during the 2025–26 season.
In the short term, the league will oversee all operational obligations, including staffing, player payments and commercial commitments, while running what it described as an expedited sales process with interested parties. The APL said the move was designed to protect the club’s players, staff, partners and supporters, and to safeguard competition integrity mid-season.
APL chair Stephen Conroy said the board had acted decisively in the best interests of both the club and the wider competition.
“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 a robust sale process to find a new and stable long-term owner,” Conroy said.
He added that the Mariners remain a valued asset within the league ecosystem, pointing to their competitive record and local support base as reasons for confidence in attracting new investment.
The club’s existing management is expected to assist with the transition and sale process, working alongside the league during the interim period.
The APL have said there will be no immediate impact on fixtures or competition scheduling – the Mariners will play as planned this weekend, hosting Macarthur FC in the Isuzu UTE A-League Men before facing Perth Glory at Industree Group Stadium in the Ninja A-League Women.
Founded a little over 20 years ago in 2004, the Central Coast Mariners have long been held up as a community-anchored club within Australian football. The APL said it expects ‘strong domestic and international interest’ as it seeks a new owner capable of providing long-term stability.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1771535808labto1771535808ofdlr1771535808owedi1771535808sni@g1771535808niwe.1771535808yrrah1771535808
