The Football Federation of Australia (FFA) has played down reports linking athletics legend Usain Bolt with Central Coast Mariners in the A-League.

Reports on Tuesday had earlier revealed that the eight-time Olympic champion is interested in a trial with the Australian club.

In a statement late on Tuesday about the Jamaican, the FFA said: “While Usain Bolt is one of the most famous athletes on the planet, he’s not a professional footballer.

“If the trial goes ahead and Central Coast Mariners decided it stacks up and they want to offer him a contract, then we will have a discussion with them around that and what might be possible.”

According to Mariners chief executive Shaun Mielekamp, details of the trial should be revealed by late August.

In his words via a club statement, he said: “It is crucial to note that all discussions between the Central Coast Mariners and Bolt require an initial six-week trial period and no contract is guaranteed.”

The Jamaican athlete’s longtime agent, Ricky Simms, confirmed that Bolt is considering the Mariners’ offer of a trial as he said: “Usain has made it quite clear that he’s interested in playing professional football.”

Speaking further with the Australian Associated Press, Simms said: “We’re looking at a number of options and this is one of them.”

Australian player agent Tony Rallis, who first revealed his interest in playing in the A-League revealed that the 100m record holder was genuine in his desire to play for the Mariners.

Rallis said:.”If he meets the benchmarks set by the coaches, he’ll be given a contract.”

“He’ll be treated like another one of the players and he doesn’t want to be treated like a different player.

“He’s got a point to prove and he’s determined to prove he’s worth a contract.” Tony Rallis concluded.