NORTH Melbourne player Majak Daw has been charged by police over a historical sexual assault.
 
His club is standing by him, declaring he'll still be available for VFL and AFL selection.

The AFL said it supports the club's stance but reserves the right to take action at a later time.
 
The League has also ruled that Daw will now be restricted in his promotional duties for the AFL and North Melbourne.
 
Daw has reportedly denied the allegations which date back to 2007.
 
"Sexual Crimes squad detectives charged a 23-year-old Wyndham Vale
Vale man with three counts of rape on 30th June," a Victoria Police spokesperson confirmed to AFL.com.au.
 
"The charges relate to a historical sexual assault in Altona North in 2007.
 
"As the matter is now before the court, it's inappropriate to comment further."
 
North Melbourne confirmed the charges in a statement on Tuesday morning.
 
"The North Melbourne Football Club can confirm Majak Daw has been charged by Victoria Police in relation to an alleged sexual offence in 2007," the statement read.
 
"The club respects the integrity of the legal process and asks the right to privacy of all involved be respected.
 
"North Melbourne will support Majak and he will remain available for selection at VFL and AFL level.
 
"This is the subject of an ongoing legal proceeding and it is not appropriate for Majak or North Melbourne to make any comment."

Daw is expected to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court for a filing hearing on July 11.
 
He was first arrested and interviewed by police over the allegations in May.

Daw's management Elite Sports Properties said in a statement: "He is entitled to a presumption of innocence and we would ask that this and the right to privacy of all involved be respected." 
 
Daw has an enormous profile in the AFL, after breaking ground to become the first Sudanese-born player to rise to the highest level of the code.

The AFL's legal counsel Andrew Dillon said in a statement: "This is a very serious matter and it is being treated very seriously by the club and the AFL.
 
"It is now important that the legal process be allowed to run its course. 
 
"The AFL acknowledges the importance of the presumption of innocence in this case and also the need to treat all parties with respect and understanding.
 
"Given the specific circumstances of the case, the AFL has determined that the player remains available for selection by his club. However, we will monitor the case and reserve the right to take action under our rules if deemed appropriate.
 
"Further, the AFL has determined that a restriction will be placed on the player’s AFL and club promotional and development duties."
 
Daw has played 12 senior games and kicked 14 goals. He joined North Melbourne as a rookie in 2010.