Luke Sayers has stepped down as Carlton president after being cleared by the AFL of posting a lewd image on social media.
A picture was reportedly posted on Sayers’ X account on 8 January, prompting an investigation by the AFL integrity unit.
The post also tagged a female executive of one of the club’s key sponsors, health insurer Bupa.
Sayers denied posting the image, claiming his account had been hacked and asked followers to “please ignore all posts” before disabling the account.
Carlton announced Sayers’ resignation just minutes after the AFL on Wednesday cleared him of wrongdoing, accepting his account had been compromised.
The league was assisted by the corporate executive tagged in the post.
“While considering all relevant details relating to the matter and despite no finding of wrongdoing via the AFL integrity unit and the club’s independent process, in the best interests of the club Sayers has made the decision to stand down from the board and will continue to prioritise time with his family,” a club statement read.
Sayers said leading the Carlton Football Club had 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,” he added.
“I deeply regret that many other people, including my family, friends and colleagues and football club, have been caught up in this matter.”
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