Luke Sayers has quit as Carlton president despite the AFL finding that his X account was compromised and he was not responsible for posting a lewd image.
An image was shared from Sayers’ account on January 8 in a post that also tagged an executive from one of Carlton’s corporate partners, prompting the Blues to report the matter to the AFL and the integrity unit to investigate.
Luke Sayers has quit as president of Carlton Football Club.Credit: Elke Meitzel
The AFL and Sayers released separate statements on Wednesday afternoon about the incident.
The league said it had concluded its investigation and found Sayers had not breached its rules.
“The AFL has been in ongoing contact with Mr Sayers and his representatives, the Carlton Football Club and the club’s corporate partner including the executive tagged in the post, who have all assisted the AFL in its inquiries,” the league said.
“The integrity unit’s inquiries, which included multiple interviews and review of other evidence, have now concluded and the AFL has found, based on the available evidence, that access to Mr Sayers’ X account was compromised, resulting in the posting of the image (i.e. by a person not being Mr Sayers) and tagging of another person.
“Accordingly, the AFL has determined that Mr Sayers did not breach AFL rules in connection with the posting of the image.
“Once he was made aware of the post, Mr Sayers immediately acted to have the image removed and to shut down his X account.
“The AFL wishes to thank the executive who was unwittingly tagged in the post, her cooperation and assistance throughout the inquiries have been extremely helpful.”
Sayers said he was aware that “speculation that the naming of another person” explained why the post was shared, but that speculation was wrong.
“The past two weeks have been very tough for everyone who has been impacted by an unauthorised social media post,” Sayers’ said in a separate statement.
“I did not post the image, either deliberately or accidentally.
“I fully cooperated with an independent inquiry by the AFL which concluded that access to my X account was compromised.
“I am aware of speculation that the naming of another person in the post explains why it happened. It does not, and that narrative is wrong. I am so sorry for the hurt that has caused.
“I deeply regret that many other people including my family, friends and colleagues, and my football club, have been caught up in this matter.
“That is why I have decided to step down as Carlton president and take some time away from work.
Leading the Carlton Football Club has been one of the great honours and privileges of my life. I leave knowing the club is in great shape, and with my deepest gratitude for its understanding and support.
“I will now deal with this away from the glare of the public and media spotlight. This decision draws a line in the sand.”
The league said it took all matters of respect and responsibility seriously acknowledged the “effect and distress caused to numerous individuals beyond those bound by the AFL rules and regulations”.
More to come
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