The Crows have been slammed with a $50,000 fine after a breach of AFL COVID protocols.

Adelaide had asked the AFL to investigate claims a number of Crows players and officials did not adhere to the rule of wearing a facemask while on a commercial flight from Sydney to Adelaide last weekend.

The AFL found that a number of players and officials didn't wear their facemasks correctly on the flight.

The monster $50,000 fine will come out of the club's soft cap in a massive blow as clubs already deal with reduced resources off-field.

AFL General Counsel Andrew Dillon said the Crows' actions were simply inexcusable.

โ€œFirst and foremost, we all have aย very clearย responsibility to ensure we do everything we can to best protect the health and well-being of our family, friends and everyone in the community,โ€ Mr Dillon said.

โ€œThe rule here is clear and has been in place for some time and there is simply no excuse for not abiding by it.

โ€œWe will not compromise the health and well-being of the community, and remind everyone in the industryย โ€“ย players, coaches, officials and staffย -ย thatย they have a responsibility toย adhere to the rules for the safetyย ofย everyone.โ€

Crows CEO Tim Silvers said the club was very disappointed and hadn't lived up to it's expectations.

โ€œWe are well aware of our responsibilities and the need to adhere to guidance and protocols put in place by the AFL and health authorities," he said.

โ€œWe failed in this area and we would like to apologise to the other passengers on the plane.

โ€œOur Club accepts the AFLโ€™s penalty and from top to bottom owns this error in judgement.

โ€œWe were complacent and this matter must serve as a reminder to be vigilant in playing our part to try and limit the spread ofย COVID-19.

โ€œIt is a privilege to be playing games during these challenging times and weย acknowledgeย the government requirement for people to wear facemasks in airports and on all domestic commercial flights.โ€