FORMER AFL diversity manager Ali Fahour has avoided a criminal conviction for punching another footballer during a suburban game in Melbourne.

Fahour, 34, punched opposition player Dale Saddington in the face at Whittlesea in July, knocking him to the ground.

Fahour was charged by police and later pleaded guilty to recklessly causing injury to Mr Saddington, who has not played football since.

The incident cost Fahour his executive job at the AFL and he was effectively banned for life from playing the game he loved and had played since he was five.

A magistrate on Thursday spared him a criminal conviction over the incident.

Magistrate Carolyn Burnside decision's came after considering Fahour's good character and extensive community work.

"You have shown real generosity towards marginalised groups in our community," she told Fahour in Heidelberg Magistrates Court.

"You have been a person of integrity and very good character, with a strong reputation for your leadership in the community.

"That is exceptional."

The magistrate earlier heard of Fahour's work in coaching indigenous children, introducing members of the Muslim community to football, and organising women's and diversity programs for the AFL.

"It's all about equal opportunity," defence lawyer Dermot Dann QC said.

Ms Burnside did, however, impose a two-year community corrections order on Fahour and ordered him to pay $5000 to Disability Sports Australia.

She said it was important players at all levels were aware of the difference between footballing acts and on-field criminal behaviour.

"Increasingly, players need to know there is a line that needs to be drawn," Ms Burnside said.

Fahour in July said he was ashamed of his actions and would seek professional help.

He was suspended by the Northern Football League for 14 games over the punch, triggering an automatic life ban.

However, Fahour can apply to the league to have that ban lifted so he can play again.