The AFL has come under criticism for its recent decision to cut five senior staff members from the marketing, fan engagement and technology departments.
According to Code Sports, the five sacked staffers were forced out of the AFL HQ offices within minutes of receiving the news that they had lost their jobs. Not getting time to absorb the devastating information or say farewell to colleagues.
One AFL staffer who wished to remain anonymous out of fear that they could lose their job told the publication that:
"Everyone is so angry at what happened, and they are worried that they will be next," they said.
"We can't believe the way they were treated; they weren't even allowed to say goodbye. They were told to leave straight away."
There had been reported tensions within departments between bosses and staff in the lead-up to the job cuts.
One executive in a meeting with junior staffers attempted to bridge the gap and reduce tensions, but allegedly spent the whole meeting looking at their phone.
The AFL declined to comment on the situation.
The league registered a profit of $67.9 million in 2025.
