Collingwood moves to dismiss Craig Kelly exit rumours

Collingwood has denied a rumour that CEO Craig Kelly has left the club in the wake of allegations made against him by a former employee.

Collingwood has denied a radio report from former Carlton forward Brendan Fevola that Magpie chief executive Craig Kelly had left the club.

Fevola made the claim on his Fox radio breakfast slot on Thursday, saying: “(Kelly) has departed the footy club. No one knows yet. I think they were trying to hold off until the end of the year, which is Friday night as their last game.”

But when contacted by the Herald Sun, a spokesperson from Collingwood Football Club denied there was any truth to the rumour and confirmed Kelly remained as the club’s chief executive.

Kelly was at the club’s AIA Centre home base on Thursday morning.

Craig Kelly celebrates Collingwood’s round 21 win with Jordan De Goey. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

He is currently working on likely changes to the club’s football program heading towards next season, which includes finding a permanent replacement for outgoing football boss Graham Wright, who officially quit the role this week after an overseas sabbatical.

Kelly was in the Magpies’ rooms last Saturday night after the club’s thrilling win over Brisbane Lions and will be back at the MCG on Friday night for the club’s final game against Melbourne.

Collingwood president Jeff Browne threw his support behind Kelly late last month after allegations made about him from a former club employee were outlined in court documents.

“We’re backing in Craig Kelly … and we intend to fight these proceedings and see them through to a judgment,” Browne said at the time.

Originally published as Collingwood moves to dismiss Craig Kelly exit rumours