Capital Football bosses are a step closer to a decision on the A-League's immediate future in Canberra after meeting with Central Coast Mariners officials.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It is understood Central Coast Mariners chief executive Shaun Mielekamp met with Capital Football boss Phil Brown and chairman Mark O'Neill about continuing their push into Canberra on Tuesday night.
The Mariners shifted two home games to Canberra Stadium this season, but played in the capital at a loss and would need to be aided by significant government funding if a long-term partnership was to be struck.
The Mariners are keen to return but the government is hesitant to invest after poor crowds attended both games this season.
The A-League's future in Canberra looks shaky but Brown confirmed an unknown group are preparing a secret bid to launch Canberra back into contention for an expansion licence.
The future of the proposed Civic Stadium hinges on Canberra's A-League future after ACT Chief Minister said the region would need an A-League team to make the project viable.
Football Federation Australia has delayed expansion for at least the next two years, and rumours of the Wellington Phoenix playing games in Canberra have also emerged.
