Mariners confirm Usain Bolt offer, third party key to deal

The Mariners have confirmed they’ve tabled a deal, admitting Usain Bolt is unlikely to accept their offer without external help.

The Mariners have confirmed they’ve offered a contract to Usain Bolt. Picture: AAP

The Central Coast Mariners have admitted Jamaican superstar Usain Bolt is unlikely to accept an offer to play for the club in the A-League unless they get financial help from an external third party.

Mariners officials confirmed, via a press release issued this morning, that a deal has been put to Bolt’s management. It has constantly been reported that Bolt would command as much as $3 million if he was successful in convincing the club to sign him.

However, it emerged on Sunday that the Central Coast would likely offer somewhere between $100,000 and $150,000. The club says those “contract values speculated in the media” are incorrect.

In the meantime, the Mariners have confirmed the eight-time Olympic gold medallist will not train with the club this week “until and if, the club and Usain Bolt can agree to terms and formalise an arrangement.”

As reported in The Australian this morning, it appears this is the end of the line for Bolt and his dreams of becoming a professional footballer, at least with the Mariners in the A-League. It is still possible he could pursue his options overseas.

In issuing the release, the Mariners revealed they and Bolt’s representative, Ricky Simms, have progressed contract discussions.

“The club can confirm that a contract proposal has been offered by the Central Coast Mariners and negotiations remain ongoing with Usain Bolt and his management regarding his football future,” the statement said.

“Both parties are eager to explore all options and ensure that if there is a suitable way forward for both player and club. The two parties will keep working together and formalise an agreement. The Central Coast Mariners want to ensure that Usain Bolt is given every chance possible to fulfil his dream to become a professional football player.

“There are two main terms of discussion involved in this negotiation: football and commercial.

“Regarding the football terms of the negotiations, Usain has made great progression during his time on the Central Coast and we feel that he will improve further with more individual intensive training and competitive game time. We are looking at ways to do this as the club does not have the luxury to be able to do this in the A-League.

“Regarding the commercial terms of the negotiations, Usain Bolt’s management and the Central Coast Mariners are in conversations with external partners to find a commercial solution that suits all parties. It is important to note, that contract values speculated in the media are incorrect. Without the financial contribution of an external third-party, it is unlikely that Usain Bolt and the Central Coast Mariners will agree to terms.

“To ensure that there is no distraction to the A-League squad in preparing for this weekend’s match v Melbourne City, Usain Bolt will not attend team training this week, until and if, the club and Usain Bolt can agree to terms and formalise an arrangement.”