Central Coast Mariners midfielder Troy Hearfield has been sacked by the Australian A-League club after failing a drug test, reports said.
Hearfield, 25, underwent a doping test after a match this season against the Melbourne Heart and it revealed traces of a recreational drug, The Daily Telegraph said.
The Mariners said Hearfield sought release from his contract earlier this year but a club statement did not refer to any drug test.
"Central Coast Mariners wish to advise that Troy Hearfield approached the club in early February seeking a release from his contract," it said.
"The club and Troy then mutually agreed to terminate his contract at that time."
The Mariners said they would be making no further comment until "such time as the process is complete".
The Telegraph said the Australian under-23 team player, who has made 30 appearances for the Mariners since 2011, appeared before a tribunal a fortnight ago after his contract was terminated.
Before joining the Mariners, Hearfield played for the Wellington Phoenix following a stint with the Newcastle Jets.
Source: AFP
