Russian investors set to take over ownership of financially-troubled Central Coast Mariners - report

The Gosford-based club seem to have overcome their financial woes with a Russian consortium looking to take over the ownership

Feb 9, 2012 4:45:00 AM

By Chris Perez

More On :  Central Coast Mariners
Central Coast Mariners
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The Central Coast Mariners have endured some tough financial times recently but there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel for the A-League front runners. The Mariners seem to have acquired a get out jail free card in the form of new ownership. A Russian group of investors with close ties to Russian club, Spartak Moscow are looking to take over the reigns. 
The take over will more than likely spell an end to the Mariners financial woes which have seen them fall behind in superannuation, tax and even player and manager wages. It said that there have been several meetings with the Russian consortium and all signs point to another international takeover.
"The Russians appear keen," an FFA insider said. "The meetings have been quite positive. There is genuine hope of a good outcome sooner rather than later."
If the takeover runs smoothly the Mariners will join the trend set by the Brisbane Roar in overseas ownership with the Bakrie Group taking full ownership of the Brisbane based side. The financial crisis has been telling for the Central Coast with  the club having to part ways with talisman Matt Simon, who left for Korean side Chunnam Dragons late last year.
The tough times at Mariners has also had effects on more than just the playing staff. With the lack of funds fuelling the fire to the speculation that Graham Arnold may be on the outer after a very successful last one and a half seasons with the Mariners.
Central Coast Mariners' financial woes could soon be over with reports a group of Russian investors with close ties to Spartak Moscow could take over ownership of the A-League club.
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The takeover will more than likely spell an end to the Mariners' financial woes which has seen them fall behind in supperannuation, tax and even player and manager wages.

According to The Australian, there have been several meetings with the Russian consortium and all signs point to another international takeover.

"The Russians appear keen," a Football Federation Australia insider told The Australian. "The meetings have been quite positive. There is genuine hope of a good outcome sooner rather than later."

If the takeover runs smoothly the Mariners will join the trend set by Brisbane, who were bought outright by the Indonesian Bakrie Group this week, in having foreign ownership.

The financial crisis has been telling for the Central Coast with  the club having to part ways with talisman Matt Simon, who was sold to Korean side Chunnam Dragons late last year.

The tough times at the Mariners has also had effect on more than just the playing staff, with the lack of funds fuelling speculation that coach Graham Arnold could depart after a successful spell with the club where he guided them to the 2010-11 Grand Final and on track for the 2011-12 Premier's Plate.

In November, Mariners chairman Peter Turnbull admitted the club were having "short-term cash flow difficulties".

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