Mariners’ Bolt deal hangs on FFA cash

USAIN Bolt’s proposed ALeague trial will go ahead, but only if Football Federation Australia agrees to contribute about $900,000 from its marquee fund should the Jamaican sprint king prove worthy of a contract.

Football agent Tony Rallis says an “in-principle” deal has been reached to bring the eight-time Olympic gold medallist to the Central Coast Mariners for a six-week trial.

Rallis is currently in the UK and has been dealing directly with Bolt’s representative Ricky Simms, whom he says is fully supportive of the idea.

Bolt, 31, retired from sprinting last year but has long wanted a career in football.

“We’ve got a club that’s willing to allow him to trial and offer him the contract,” Rallis said. “We’ve got an athlete that’s prepared to meet the trial criteria and benchmarks.

“We just need some funding from the FFA to top it up.”

FFA has declined to comment, but it’s understood the governing body will not put funds towards a trial.

However, Rallis said that was not what he was after.

“We’re not asking them to fund a trial. If it materialises into a contract, that’s when we need some funding,” he said.

FFA has a pot of $3 million, provided by Fox Sports, to spend on marquee players for the upcoming season.

FFA is believed to be deep in talks with former Japanese international Keisuke Honda, who is interested in joining Melbourne Victory and would command most of the fund if he reaches an agreement with the A-League champions.

The Mariners, who finished bottom of the table last season, confirmed they were “committed to discussions” with Bolt.

“It is crucial to note that all discussions between the Central Coast Mariners and Bolt require an initial six-week-trial period and no contract is guaranteed,” a club statement says.