AFL Chief Executive Gillon McLachlan today issued the following media statement on Ali Fahour, before a media conference in Melbourne.

Gillon McLachlan, Thursday July 6

I have accepted Ali Fahour’s resignation this morning.

As Ali himself said this week – there is no excuse or defence for his actions last weekend. He has expressed his remorse and shame, and I know that he feels this very deeply.

The events this week have sent a clear message that striking and punching at any level of our game is not acceptable.

Every football league across our country, and every player in our game, no matter at what level they are playing our sport have to understand there are clear expectations around on-field behaviour. There can be no exceptions.

Ali has accepted the outcome of the Tribunal and has resigned from a job that he cares deeply about.

Today, I have appointed Grant Williams, our Head of Community & International Development as acting Head of Multicultural and Indigenous Partnerships, until a new appointment in the role is made. Grant has a long and impressive record both in community football and within AFL football clubs and is extremely well regarded

Our Diversity programs are extremely important to our game, they will continue to flourish and grow, and we will prioritise the replacement of this position.

There are a few issues I want to address:

The AFL has worn some criticism for not speaking sooner, and for waiting for the Northern Football League tribunal hearing.

I want to make this clear – Tribunals are a critical part of our football community – and their role at every level MUST be respected. We ask the volunteers and leaders of our community leagues to commit to sitting on Tribunals and making difficult decisions every week, in every league around the country.

Criticism that the AFL should have spoken before this disrespects the role of those people and processes that keep our game going every weekend.

Lastly, I want to say that I believe that everyone has a chance to be a better person and to change.

And it has been said to me this week that we should not define a person by their worst moment or their worst decision.

Ali’s work over ten years in our organisation has been considerable. He has built and run our diversity programs and he has the respect of many people inside and outside our game. He has done a great job.

I have said to him this morning that I want to see him continue to make a strong contribution within his community and I wished him well.