De Silva has never been on Roma’s books and has been a contracted Glory player since turning professional until his contract expired last month.

But the Mariners admitted to FourFourTwo: “De Silva is still connected to Roma, hence the reason we have negotiated with both Roma and Daniel De Silva. 

“The way he is connected to Roma is something that can’t be explained as it is protected by ‘Commercial in confidence’.”

There is now speculation Roma have tried to do a co-ownership contract with the Mariners over De Silva – where they share the player’s future with another club.

Co-ownership was once common in Italy - and saw Brazil star Adriano owned by both Inter and Parma – until it was banned from Serie A in 2015, although it is still reportedly used in South America.

Alternatively he may have privately entered into a side agreement with Roma giving them an option on him in the future…but that could be perilously close to a third-party ownership arrangement banned by FIFA.

When he was first linked with Roma, De Silva insisted his future would be with the club in Italy, but admitted: “It’s not completely finalised.

“It’s a little hard to say… I’m not sure if I’m allowed to say what’s going to happen yet…”

This month a Mariners spokesman added: “Daniel De Silva has signed a three year contract with the Mariners and isn’t on loan. 

“How his deal works with Roma and why we had to negotiate with Roma is Daniel (and his representatives) business that we cannot comment on.”

Now the FFA have stepped in to try to resolve the issue before it escalates further.

Under the current contract though, it is believed De Silva cannot be registered with the Mariners for the coming season.

The FFA are understood to be confident it can be fixed, but admit it is an ongoing issue.

A spokesman added: “FFA is currently working with Central Coast Mariners to register Daniel De Silva with the club for the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 Season."