The Central Coast Mariners are investigating the possibility of playing A-League games at Canberra Stadium following the announcement the ACT would not get its own team in the national competition.

But Capital Football chief executive Heather Reid says it would need to be a long-term deal, similar to what AFL club Greater Western Sydney has.

The Central Coast Mariners could return to Canberra Stadium to play A-League games. Credit:Getty Images

Football Federation Australia chief executive David Gallop ended speculation Canberra could be in line for its own A-League team three weeks ago, but that's opened the way for existing clubs to come to town.

The Mariners have brought A-League games to Canberra in the past, playing Adelaide United and Perth Glory in 2009.