The Central Coast Mariners' controversial plan to play some home games at North Sydney Oval next season has hit an early hurdle. Football Federation of Australia says it will not allow the matches at the venue unless it undergoes major renovations, including upgrades to the playing surface.

The news comes after Fairfax Media revealed on Tuesday the Mariners were exploring the benefits of moving some home games to the venue as part of a strategic push into Sydney's northern suburbs.

Back on the radar: North Sydney Oval. Credit:Tim Clayton

The Mariners are due to play a one-off A-League game against Wellington Phoenix at North Sydney Oval on December 19, and on Tuesday confirmed they would explore the possibility of staging more games there if the attendance was encouraging.

If the Mariners are satisfied they can draw a crowd at North Sydney, the pressing issue will become the standard of the oval, with A-League boss Damien de Bohun on Tuesday echoing the FFA's stance and ruling out relocating games unless there was an overhaul of the poor facilities and the playing field.