The AFL has launched an investigation into the illegal distribution of explicit images of players that have been shared online without their consent.
Key points:
- The AFL says an anonymous individual or group of people has circulated explicit images of past and present players online
- The league is offering support for the players affected after being contacted by multiple clubs
- Victoria Police said it was aware of the pictures but had not yet received an official report
In a statement, the AFL said it had been contacted by multiple clubs concerned about “private and personal images of past and present AFL players”.
The league said the images had been circulated by an anonymous individual or group of people.
“There appears to have been significant work involved in gathering the images and creating files for distribution,” it said.
“It is important to note that many of the images are yet to be verified for identification.”
The AFL Integrity Unit, which has been asked to investigate the matter, has contacted the eSafety commissioner to have the images removed.
It said it had contacted the relevant law enforcement authorities in various states.
The AFL Players’ Association said it was important to note that some of the images may not be legitimate, but called their distribution “an appalling and disgusting act and a likely unlawful breach of privacy that is unacceptable”.
“We ask the public to treat this matter seriously by not seeking out or sharing any of these photos and respecting the rights and privacy of those impacted,” it said in a statement.
The association said the issue was “now a police matter, and we will continue to assist as necessary”.
Victoria Police earlier said it was aware of explicit images of athletes being circulated online, but “no reports have been received at this stage”.
The AFL has offered welfare support for players who may be involved in the privacy breach.
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