The AFL has launched an investigation into the sharing of naked images of past and present players online without their consent.
The investigation by the league’s integrity unit was launched after complaints from a number of clubs. The unit has already made contact with multiple police forces and the eSafety Commissioner.
An AFL spokesperson said “significant work” had been undertaken to gather the images and to create a file for distribution on social media. The motive for sharing the images is not clear.
“The AFL has been made aware of private and personal images of past and present AFL players being distributed and shared illegally and without consent after being contacted by a number of AFL clubs,” the spokesperson said.
“The images have been circulated by an anonymous person/s and it is alleged the files feature private and personal images of past and present AFL players however it is important to note that many of the images are yet to be verified for identification.”
On Wednesday evening, the Herald Sun reported more than 45 past and former players featured in the images. The file reportedly categorised players in alphabetical order.
The AFL Players’ Association warned that some of the images could be fakes, but called the posting of the pictures “an appalling and disgusting act”.
The AFL has acknowledged there will likely be “great interest” in viewing images but strongly urged people to consider 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,” the spokesperson said.
“The AFL has offered welfare support for players who may be involved and will continue to work closely with their clubs.”
