Carlton president Luke Sayers cleared by AFL over lewd photo scandal, sensationally steps down anyway
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Carlton president Luke Sayers has sensationally stood down from his role following the conclusion of an AFL integrity unit investigation into a lewd image posted to his social media account earlier this month.
The investigation found that access to Sayers' X account was compromised, meaning he did not breach AFL rules in connection with the posting of the image.
Based on the available evidence, it was found that the image in question and the tagging of another person's X account were not Sayers' doing.
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Patrick Cripps of the Blues and Luke Sayers. AFL Photos via Getty Images
Two weeks ago, the AFL integrity unit launched an investigation into how an image of male genitalia made its way onto Sayers' X account on January 8, alongside the X handle of a female executive from club sponsor Bupa.
The image appeared on Sayers' public account for 13 minutes before he acted to have it removed. He was on holiday in Italy with his family at the time.
Sayers then immediately deleted his X account.
Following the incident, Sayers staunchly defended himself, claiming his account was "hacked" and declaring that he would "leave no stone unturned" in an attempt to find the person responsible.
The Blues and the AFL integrity unit have both previously stated that they are providing support to those affected by the incident.
Ahead of his return to Australia, on Wednesday, Sayers informed the Blues that he would be stepping down from his position, with immediate effect.
"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," Carlton said in a statement on Wednesday.
Sayers was contracted with Carlton until the end of 2025. He had served as the club's president since August 2021 and was a director for nine years prior.
"Leading the Carlton Football Club has been one of the great honours and privileges of my life," Sayers said via the club statement.
"I leave knowing the club is in great shape, and with my deepest gratitude for its understanding and support.
"I deeply regret that many other people including my family, friends and colleagues and football club have been caught up in this matter."
The club's vice presidents Robert Priestley and Patty Kinnersly will jointly assume the role in the interim while the process of appointing a permanent replacement occurs.
