THE AFL has confirmed it has no problem with suspended Essendon player Dyson Heppell's promotional appearance for a car sponsor.
"The update I have this morning is there is no issue for us," an AFL spokesman said on Tuesday morning.
"He has a direct personal agreement with the company as a sponsor."
Later on Tuesday, AFL chief Gillon McLachlan told reporters in Adelaide the League was comfortable with Heppell's appearance.
"As I understand it there was no issue ... he wasn't in club-based gear and they're a personal sponsor of his," he said.
Despite reports ASADA was concerned upon learning of Heppell's appearance at a motor dealership on Monday evening, it referred questions back to the League.
"The sanctions are imposed by the AFL and any enquiries about appropriate activities should be directed to them," an ASADA spokesperson told AFL.com.au.
Heppell stepped out to promote his personal car sponsor after posting a tweet late on Monday.
It marked his first football-related appearance since he and 33 other past and present Bombers were banned until the end of this season by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Dressed in casual clothes, Heppell politely declined AFL.com.au's request for an interview, but chatted with customers at the Essendon Kia dealership.
News cameras were granted access to film a portion of the appearance.
The individual dealership is Heppell's personal sponsor, he makes regular appearances in the store and features prominently on its website.
However, Kia is a also major sponsor of Essendon.
Banned players are not permitted to take part in any official club activities while serving their suspensions.
This includes being prevented from attending the club's headquarters, training sessions and rooms on match-day.
They are able to watch matches from the stands.
-With AAP
