Former umpire Michael Pell turns back on officiating after two-year limbo over Brownlow Medal insider information case

Michael Pell’s lawyer says the former umpire has no interest in officiating as his legal limbo approaches two years since he was arrested over a Brownlow Medal insider scandal.

Former AFL umpire Michael Pell has abandoned plans to return to officiating at any level again as he awaits resolution of a Brownlow Medal insider information case that will hit the two-year mark next week.

Pell’s lawyer said this week the case was still ongoing as she made clear he was keen for a resolution after nearly two years in limbo.

Pell is now head of sport at Penola Catholic College and this week launched the Hadfield Football Club junior academy, which sees young players competing against rival community groups across Melbourne.

He was a rising star of AFL umpiring, but is under investigation after “spot” bets were placed on games he umpired in the 2022 season for that year’s Brownlow Medal.

Umpire Michael Pell prepares to bounce the ball in 2022. Picture: Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos.

The Victoria Police sporting integrity intelligence unit has conducted that probe, with Pell’s phone seized, but not found to have any evidence about information about the result of Brownlow voting. He was interviewed once on the day he was arrested in November 2022.

Last year, Pell was assaulted on the field while playing local football, but it is understood he has returned to football this year while keeping a low profile. He has told friends he will never umpire again – at any level – and has moved on from that chapter of his life.

The two years in limbo has taken an extreme toll, but he is believed to be keen for closure one way or another.

“There is no clarity at this stage,” Pell’s lawyer, Jordana Fayman told the Herald Sun.

“We are still waiting and we are eager to find out what the position is (from Victoria Police) and bring this matter to a head one way or another.

Former AFL umpire Michael Pell headbutted in a local footy game. picture: supplied

“Unfortunately for Michael, he has had to wait. I don’t envy him being in limbo for such a long period, but we are hopeful of some kind of outcome very soon.”

On a LinkedIn post this week, Pell launched the junior academy, which sees a group of kids from a mostly Islamic faith given chances to proceed through a football pathway.

“Proud to have finally launched the Hadfield Football Club junior academy tonight, a program I have been working on for almost a year,” he wrote.

“Whilst I was umpiring I always thought about how I wanted to give back to my club and community once my career was over and I have found this a great vehicle in doing that.

“In its first year, we’ve had 80 boys and girls between 12-18 years join and take part. Hopefully this is something that will grow and evolve over time. My purpose has been to give Hadfield players an opportunity to extend themselves as people and footballers through networks they may not otherwise have access to.”

Originally published as Former umpire Michael Pell turns back on officiating after two-year limbo over Brownlow Medal insider information case