Maltese club courts Bolt, eyes Champions League

SYDNEY: Reigning Maltese topflight champion Valletta FC is behind efforts to prematurely end Usain Bolt’s bid for an ALeague contract.

Valletta FC has put forward a twoyear offer for the Jamaican sprint champion to ‘‘spearhead their charge to the Champions League’’ with an eye towards his potential debut in mid-December, ESPN reports.

‘‘A champion is always welcome and at Valletta FC we believe nothing is impossible,’’ the club’s managing director and CEO, Ghasston Slimen, said.

Bolt’s brace for the Central Coast Mariners in Friday night’s trial match against Macarthur South West United is the likely catalyst for the Maltese side’s interest.

It has seemingly put pressure on the Mariners to give him a fulltime contract, despite January being flagged as the probable deadline for a final decision.

The Mariners want the FFA to contribute to Bolt’s contract but it is believed he does not meet the criteria as a marquee player.

Instead, ALeague officials insist they could assist the Mariners by way of a marketing arrangement as well as enabling thirdparty sponsorships.

Bolt also has a number of personal sponsorships that could count against him.

WLeague star Sam Kerr and new teammate Tommy Oar thrust their support behind Bolt on Friday, saying he deserved a marquee deal due to his obvious star power.

His potential southern European suitor was not the only one to take notice of his impressive secondhalf strikes, which have attracted more than 6 million views on Central Coast’s Twitter account.

The 32yearold was left stupefied when handed a drug test notice. ‘‘I’ve retired from track and field, looking to become a professional footballer — but look at this,’’ Bolt posted on social media, zooming in on the letter.

‘‘How am I going to get drug tested today? I’m not even a professional footballer. Seriously.’’

But it appears Bolt’s situation comes under Asada’s testing protocol, as athletes may be subject to collection both in and out of competition.