Businessman and sole shareholder of the Central Coast Mariners Football Club, Damon Hanlin, has forfeited the Club Participation Agreement (CPA) required to operate teams in the men's and women's A-Leagues, leading the APL to revoke the agreement.
There will be no effective change to the front room operations of either Mariners side, with club management vowing to work with the APL to continue things as normal whilst the APL goes through the process of selling the licence to a new owner.
“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 in a press release on Monday.
“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.”
“We believe in the value that Central Coast Mariners FC brings to the A-Leagues. 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.”
“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.”
