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 – long-time chairman Mike Charlesworth – 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 reporting that a formal application had been submitted to the APL for former Sydney Olympic FC President Damon Hanlin to acquire the club.
In a statement released on Tuesday, January 12, the APL confirmed that it had taken proactive action after being notified by the club’s operator of the forfeiture of the CPA, moving to ensure stability and continuity for the Mariners during the 2025–26 season.
“The APL Board is resolute in its commitment to fans and stakeholders to protect the game’s best interests,” APL Chair Stephen Conroy said.
“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.”
Sale process places Hanlin bid under direct APL oversight
While the APL has not commented on individual bidders, the decision to assume interim control and oversee the sale process reshapes the pathway for any prospective ownership change – including the application involving Mr Hanlin.
As previously reported by The Greek Herald, Mr Hanlin recently resigned as President and Director of Sydney Olympic FC, before stepping into senior roles across newly formed Mariners-linked entities. In September 2025, he was appointed director, secretary and sole shareholder of Central Coast Mariners Football Club Pty Ltd, followed by an appointment the following month as director and secretary of Central Coast Mariners Football Club Foundation Limited.
Those appointments, alongside his continued involvement in Sydney Olympic-related corporate entities, were expected to be examined under the APL’s ownership and integrity framework – a process that now takes on increased significance with the league directly controlling the club and the sale.
Under A-League governance rules, any ownership transfer is subject to rigorous assessment, including financial capacity, transparency, integrity checks and conflict-of-interest management.
Continuity assured as sale proceeds
The APL said its immediate focus would be to ensure the club’s ongoing obligations are met and that football operations continue uninterrupted while the sales process is underway.
There will be no changes to upcoming fixtures, with the Mariners set to face Macarthur FC at home in the Isuzu UTE A-League Men, and Perth Glory in the Ninja A-League Women at polytec Stadium this weekend.
The club’s management has indicated it will work with the APL to support the transition and forthcoming sale.
Ownership decision still pending
The APL has not provided a timeframe for completing the sale process, nor confirmed how existing applications will be treated.
However, with the league now acting as interim operator, custodian and seller, any ownership outcome – including one involving Mr Hanlin – will be determined under direct APL control and heightened regulatory oversight.
The Greek Herald will continue to follow developments as the Mariners’ ownership future unfolds.
*The Greek Herald has contacted the APL for comment
