The Central Coast Mariners have denied an Australian newspaper report it sacked midfielder Troy Hearfield over a failed drug test, saying he asked to be released.
The Daily Telegraph reported the former Wellington Phoenix footballer was sacked two months ago for failing a drugs test for a recreational drug.
Hearfield, who represented Australia at the Olympics, played for the Phoenix for three years before moving to Central Coast in 2011.
However, the Mariners have released a statement saying Hearfield wasn't sacked but asked to be released.
Hearfield, is awaiting the outcome of a tribunal hearing which could ban him from all sports for between one and five years.
