Is this the end of Bolt career with Mariners?

Usain Bolt is set to part ways with A-League side Central Coast Mariners after contract talks hit a snag, reports say.

Bolt has been on a two-month trial at the club after he retired from sprinting. He recently scored two goals in a friendly match and requested the club to offer him a contract.

The player is no longer training with the team and the club is said to have tabled an offer that was below the expectations of the Jamaican.

The Mariners Social appeal have improved since Bolt started his trial and this makes it easier to negotiate with partners and sponsors. One of the avenue being explored is to see if any potential partner would take part of Bolt’s financial demands.

Football Federation Australia confirmed they would not contribute to his salary either as he would not meet their strict requirements of a marquee footballer despite his broad public appeal. However, the organisation is ready to assist with marketing and promotional resources should the Mariners sign Bolt

The Mariners recently released a statement explaining the whole situation over the contract talks.

The Central Coast Mariners  would like to offer clarity around the negotiations between the club and Usain Bolt. 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. 

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 fulfill 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 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 vs. 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.

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