AFL Commissioner Andrew Newbold takes leave of absence

AFL Commissioner Andrew Newbold has taken a leave of absence from his role, confirmed by the AFL on Wednesday afternoon.

A report by the ABC released early on Wednesday detailed numerous allegations against the Hawthorn Football Club, relating to several First Nations players.

Newbold served as Hawthorn club President from 2012-2016, present at the club during the time in which the allegations reportedly took place, but now works for the AFL Commission.

AFL Commission Chairman Richard Goyder confirmed that Newbold would be taking a leave of absence, expressing that Wednesday was a day of significant distress for those involved.

“I want to also acknowledge that this is a really distressing day for the people who have shared their experiences,” Goyder said.

“These are serious allegations, and it is important that we treat them appropriately while also ensuring the formal process provides support to those impacted and also natural justice to those people who are accused. Andrew wholeheartedly understands this, and I have accepted his offer to take a leave of absence away from the AFL Commission while the independent investigation is undertaken.

“There are so many people who are hurting today and have been hurting for a long time and to all of them, we acknowledge that hurt and say that as a game we will do everything to ensure that the hurt you experienced is not a hurt that is experienced by others.”