AFL senior manager had affair with young female employee, whistleblower says

AN affair between a senior AFL manager and a young female employee has been outed by insiders concerned over the head office’s treatment of women.

AFL boss Gillon McLachlan has come under fire for failing to speak out against AFL Diversity Manager Ali Fahour. Picture: Scott Barbour/Getty Images

AN affair between a senior Australian Football League manager and a young female employee has been outed by insiders concerned over head office’s treatment of women.

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Details of the controversial relationship have been leaked, amid claims of a cover-up.

The AFL, which is considering a review of its “respect and responsibility” policy, has ­refused to answer questions about the affair.

But a whistleblower who contacted the Herald Sun said that it had prompted concerns among AFL staff.

The revelation follows widespread criticism of the AFL over its handling of the controversy surrounding its ­diversity manager, Ali Fahour, who has been charged with ­assaulting an opponent during a suburban footy match.

AFL boss Gillon McLachlan has come under fire for failing to speak out against AFL Diversity Manager Ali Fahour. Picture: Scott Barbour/Getty Images

Fahour quit his league post after being handed a life ban by the Northern Football League, but the AFL itself took no ­action against him.

AFL chief Gillon McLachlan remained silent before Fahour’s resignation amid public criticisms that the league has a culture of protecting its own.

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AFL insiders concerned about the affair between the manager and employee have leaked copies of text messages revealing her anguish and confusion over the relationship.

One message says: “I don’t know what to do. I’m so confused. I spoke with him and put it all on (the) line and he said he has feelings cares about me bla bla bla. So basically he’s brushed it.”

In a further message, she says: “I don’t want to be here and I don’t know what I want. And I’m upset he brushed me.”

In another text, she asks a friend: “So you genuinely think he won’t leave her? If he cheats and is unhappy and always contacts me ...”

Kate Jenkins was appointed to oversee the AFL’s respect and responsibility policy. Picture: David Geraghty / The Australian.

An AFL insider said: “Everyone in the AFL knew about the affair as she confided in work colleagues about it. They were not hiding it.

“People in head office didn’t agree with it. The affair was definitely covered up.”

In January 2016, Mr McLachlan appointed Kate Jenkins, Sex Discrimination Com­missioner at the Australian Human Rights Commission, to oversee a review of the AFL respect and responsibility policy.

Mr McLachlan said then: “We understand our responsibilities to continue to improve our approach to these issues, and I know we still have work to do to hold the respect and trust of the community.”

“We want to continue to change the culture of our game.”

Rapid Context, a consultancy company appointed to help with the review, delivered its report to the AFL Commission last month.