AFL umpire Leigh Haussen has been made ineligible to officiate in Round 1 of the 2025 AFL season after dressing as Osama Bin Laden in a post-season field umpire's function.
The league confirmed the decision on Monday following an investigation into the event, which was held the day after the 2024 AFL Grand Final, with Haussen aiding the investigation.
The field umpire admitted to "dressing in an inappropriate costume" and has apologised for his decision-making, with Haussen.
โI am sorry. I made an error of judgement. I never intended to offend anyone.โ Haussen said.
The AFL has revealed Haussen did not perform in any skit and "changed into costume at the venue and wore a mask for only a short period of time before removing it".
โLeigh understands the inappropriate nature of his costume. He has reflected on that choice," AFL umpires boss Stephen McBurney said.
"Leigh is a valued member of the umpiring group with an unblemished record both throughout his umpiring career and since his elevation to the AFL umpires list in 2017.
"We will support Leigh to make his return to umpiring AFL football following this suspension."
The incident comes after 13 GWS players were charged - including six suspended - for controversial costumes and skits during the club's post-season celebrations this off-season.
Haussen has officiated in 147 AFL games since making his debut a decade ago. He umpired in 20 games this year.
