THE AFL Integrity Unit has taken up an investigation into the Richmond premiership photo scandal after Victoria Police closed its inquiry on Tuesday.

The League was informed on Wednesday that the police investigation had been closed at the request of the alleged victim, who was photographed topless wearing a 2017 premiership medal.

The photograph was circulated without her permission in the days following Richmond's Grand Final triumph and appeared on social media.

"This afternoon the AFL was contacted by Victoria Police, confirming their investigation had ceased," AFL spokesperson Jay Allen said in a statement.

"The AFL integrity unit are now investigating the matter.

"We will be in a position to make further comment when the Integrity Unit's investigation is complete.

"We ask to please respect the privacy of those involved."

The AFL does not conduct its own investigations while police inquiries are ongoing, but will now take up its own probe into the matter.

Richmond is also looking into the incident, while the police investigation could be re-opened at any point.

The police investigation was closed at the request of the woman, who had complained that she did not consent to the image being shared.

If the police investigation continued and the player involved was found guilty, he could have been charged under the 2014 'sexting laws', which has a maximum penalty of two years in jail.