Maligned AFL umpire Michael Pell, who has been cleared to play suburban football amid his alleged Brownlow Medal betting scandal after he was arrested late last year, has broken his silence.

Despite being knocked back to umpire in the APS private school competition, according to the Herald Sun, Pell will play for Hadfield in the Essendon District Football League after clearance was received on May 24.

Pell spoke to 7News' Mitch Cleary, stating that while the situation has been grim, he's glad to be around familiar faces.

"It's good to be around my friends and family again, the club I've grown up at, so it's nice to be having a kick again, but the pressure's on with you I think," Pell said.

"Obviously (I'm desperate to clear my name), but that's in the hands of the police, so we'll just leave it at that.

"It's been horrible, but life's precious and I'm just grateful for the support of my family and friends and I'm just happy to be back around my mates and having a kick and be back at work and that sort of thing.

Pell has not yet been charged for allegedly leaking Brownlow votes, however, police are said to be working on a brief that is set to be cemented in the coming months.