A-League boss Greg O’Rourke has confirmed the Central Coast Mariners have tabled an offer to Usain Bolt’s management for him to join the club as a professional footballer.
Reports emerged on Sunday that Bolt had been offered a contract by the Mariners after his recent two-goal performance in a trial game against Macarthur South-West.
O’Rourke says the financial details of the contract are significantly lower than first discussed.
“There’s definitely nothing on the table in writing from the FFA and there’s no funding from the marquee fund – because the marquee fund has secured people like Keisuke Honda and Sam Kerr,” O’Rourke told SEN Afternoons.
“Usain Bolt has yet to become professional footballer anywhere in the world, but having said that, I understand from Central Coast Mariners that they have tabled an offer to Usain Bolt’s management which he is currently considering.
BOLT “NOT AT THE REQUIRED STANDARD” TO PLAY IN THE A-LEAGUE: HILL
“That offer is much, much less than they were originally requesting.
“If Usain wants to join that club and become a professional footballer then he should follow a journey pretty similar to any other triallist.”
The former Olympian’s contract is reportedly worth $150,000 over one season.
Bolt turned down a two-year offer from Maltese champions Valletta FC.
Listen to Greg O’Rourke’s chat on SEN Afternoons with Brett Phillips in the player below
More in A League
Bosnich fears for Macarthur’s future after bombshell betting scandal
"I don’t see how they survive this, they’re struggling anyway."
Football without fans is nothing: Simon Hill's message after disastrous A-League weekend
The veteran commentator has his say.