Usain Bolt’s journey into professional football looks to have taken a stumble after it has emerged the eight-time Olympic sprint champion is “unlikely” to sign a deal with Central Coast Mariners.
Bolt, 32, retired from athletics in 2017 and has been on trial with the Australian A-League side.
The Jamaican scored two goals for the side on his first start but contract negotiations appear to have stumbled, with the need for a financial contribution from a “third party” cited by the club.
The Mariners said in a statement: "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 be able to do this in the Hyundai A-League.
"Without the financial contribution of an external third-party, it is unlikely that Usain Bolt and the Central Coast Mariners will agree to terms."
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