The scheduled Commission hearing on Monday, August 26, was to hear charges that Essendon, coach James Hird, football manager Danny Corcoran, assistant coach Mark Thompson and club doctor Bruce Reid had brought the game into disrepute through their roles in the club's 2012 supplements program.
But Demetriou said that while the Commission's meeting next Monday would go ahead, the AFL was prepared to adjourn the hearing of the charges against Essendon and its staff.
"If they require further time – as we have consistently stated – that will be granted to a date to be determined," Demetriou said.
The AFL released the detail of the charges against Essendon and its staff on Wednesday, but Demetriou stressed the AFL had not prejudged the matter.
"The AFL Commission has an open mind as to whether Essendon has breached the AFL rules and regulations and it is an important part of the Commission's inquiry and investigation that Essendon knows what is alleged and has every reasonable opportunity to respond to the allegations," Demetriou said.
Demetriou said the AFL had released the details of the Essendon charges given the level of public interest in the saga.
Below: AFL boss Andrew Demetriou checks his notes before facing the media. Picture: AFL Media
