US EditionBBC World Service - BBC News, 13/01/2026 12:01 GMT
The Australian Professional Leagues stepped in after the Mariners forfeited their participation agreement to maintain club stability during a sales process involving local and international buyers.
- On Jan 13, the Australian Professional Leagues assumed interim management of the Central Coast Mariners after revoking the Club Participation Agreement while a sale is underway.
- Owner Mike Charlesworth has long tried to offload the club amid financial strain, prompting cutbacks and departures including coach Mark Jackson despite winning all three A-League titles through the 2024-25 season.
- Queens Park Rangers had reached an agreement then withdrew their interest at the eleventh hour, while Damon Hanlin lodged formal acquisition paperwork with the APL and Football Australia and two other European-based clubs plus a local consortium signalled interest.
- APL officials said they will prioritise ongoing obligations and keep operations running, affirming there will be no changes to Central Coast Mariners fixtures this weekend as the sale process proceeds.
- Amid wider A-League turmoil, Western United was placed in hibernation this season and the Central Coast Mariners, based in Gosford, sit bottom with three wins in 12 matches.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Sydney Morning Herald
Central Coast Mariners owner exits as local, international investors circle
Control of the A-Leagues club has finally been ceded by long-time chairman Mike Charlesworth - and an English club could now be poised to take over.
APL announces sudden takeover of Mariners club
Breaking news tonight – the Australian Professional League has taken over the management of the Central Coast Mariners on an interim basis. Despite the sudden takeover – Men’s Head Coach Warren Moon is showing no signs of disruption – signing a new player as the transfer window opens.
APL takes interim control of Mariners as ownership sale proceeds amid Hanlin bid
The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) has taken over the management of the Central Coast Mariners on an interim basis, after the club’s existing operator notified the league that it was forfeiting the Club Participation Agreement (CPA), prompting the APL to formally terminate the agreement and initiate a league-run sales process. The development comes amid heightened scrutiny over the Mariners’ ownership, following The Greek Herald’s earlier…
A-Leagues Update: Central Coast Mariners
The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) has today taken over the management of the Central Coast Mariners on an interim basis while a sales process is completed. The operator of the Central Coast Mariners notified the APL of the forfeiture of the club participation agreement (CPA), and with this, the APL has taken the proactive action to terminate the CPA. The APL has made this decision to ensure stability and continuity for the Club, its play…
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