The AFL confirms it has been informed that the Victoria Police Sporting Integrity Intelligence Unit have arrested four people in relation to an investigation into suspicious betting activity linked to round-by-round betting on this year’s Brownlow Medal count.

The suspicious betting activity, on bets placed on round-by-round vote getters, triggered a response and notification by one of the AFL’s betting agency partners.

Upon receiving this information, the AFL Integrity unit worked with the AFL’s betting partners to gather further information and in conjunction with Sports Integrity Australia and Victoria Police undertook an investigation.

The AFL and Victoria Police have no information to suggest that the awarding of match day votes was impacted in connection with the suspicious betting activity, as the allegations relate solely to the distribution leaking or improper communication of the 3,2,1 voting outcomes post some specific matches during the season to unauthorised persons.

"In the days following the 2022 Brownlow Medal count, the AFL was made aware of potential suspicious activity by one of our betting agency partners and the AFL Integrity unit immediately gathered further information," AFL EGM Football and General Counsel Andrew Dillon said.

"Given the nature of the alleged activity we engaged Sports Integrity Australia and Victoria Police to assist with the matter.

"I want to stress that neither Victoria Police, nor the AFL have information to suggest that the outcome of the Brownlow Medal was impacted as the allegations relate solely to the leaking or improper communication of the 3,2,1 voting outcomes of some specific matches during the season.

"Post-game, the Brownlow votes are sealed and stored in a secure off-site location and not opened until they are delivered on stage on Brownlow night. The sealed vote cards are audited throughout the season by KPMG."

Brownlow Medal round-by-round betting markets only open post the home and away season.

Victoria Police has informed the AFL that one of the four persons arrested this morning is an AFL umpire.

The AFL will continue to assist Victoria Police with the on-going investigation.