The AFL has confirmed that an investigation is under way into the illegal distribution of images of past and present players without their consent.
It remains unclear who the players are that have been affected by the circulation of the images, with the AFL saying “many of the images are yet to be verified for identification”.
“There appears to have been significant work involved in gathering the images and creating files for distribution,” a league statement read in part on Wednesday night.
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“The AFL has no information regarding why the personal images have been circulated illegally and without consent or what the motive is in doing so.
“While the AFL understands there may be great interest in this update, it wishes to reinforce the images have been shared illegally and without consent.
“The AFL asks everyone to please respect the rights and privacy of those past and present players who have had personal images illegally shared without their consent or approval.
“AFLIU (AFL integrity unit) has contacted the eSafety Commissioner and is working closely with eSafety to have the images removed as soon as possible. The AFL has also made the relevant law enforcement agencies aware of the situation.
“The AFL has offered welfare support for players who may be involved and will continue to work closely with their clubs. The AFL will provide an update at an appropriate time.”
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