Carlton senior staffer on leave probed into alleged misuse of club funds

As a senior staff member at Carlton comes under investigation for a “management matter,” it can be revealed the same staffer was probed for a separate indiscretion.

A senior Carlton staffer has taken leave. Picture: Michael Klein

A senior Carlton staffer under investigation for a “management matter” has been cleared of a separate probe into misuse of club funds.

The Blues have been unable to substantiate claims a senior figure inappropriately used money from a club raffle.

The allegations were reported to the AFL integrity unit and Victoria Police, but were referred back to the club which found no evidence of misuse.

Michael Voss denied there was a culture issue at the Blues. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images

But the Blues will continue to investigate separate concerns over the same staff member’s conduct at the club amid concerns from a whistleblower about their behaviour.

Carlton coach Michael Voss on Thursday said the issue was “being managed at the right level” and had no impact on the team.

“I know it’s been dealt with and the club has taken care of it,” he said.

Voss knocked back suggestions of a cultural problem at Princes Park.

“I don’t have any visibility on it, I couldn’t add any further commentary outside it, I know it’s been dealt with and the club has taken care of it,” he said.

“I think you’d have to fire those questions (about culture) at someone who has more visibility on it; from my point of view I am really comfortable where our playing group is at.

“I am really comfortable with where our environment is, we’re firmly fixed, as you can imagine, on making sure we make a good account of ourselves tomorrow night and obviously do this event justice.”

The Herald Sun revealed on Wednesday Carlton was embroiled in a “management matter” relating to a senior staff member at Ikon Park.

The senior staff member has taken leave and the Blues were contacted for comment.

Carlton farewelled president Luke Sayers in January after a lewd image was posted to his social media account.

VOSS DENIES CULTURE ISSUE AT CARLTON

– Tyler Lewis

Carlton coach Michael Voss says he is “really comfortable” with his playing group, denying there is a club-wide culture issue after confirmation a senior staff member took leave for a “management matter”.

It follows the departure of high-profile president Luke Sayers in the pre-season who was caught up in a lewd picture scandal and stepped down.

“The club can confirm it has been dealing with a management matter,” a Carlton statement said.

“While the club is not in a position to provide commentary on individual employees, the club wants to make clear this matter is in no way related to any gender-based misconduct and any such insinuations are inaccurate and misleading.

“The club’s first priority is, and always will be, its people and this is at the forefront of the club’s handling of this matter.”

Carlton coach Michael Voss is “really comfortable” with where his playing group is at and denies a club-wide culture issue.

Voss says the issue is “being managed at the right level” before knocking back suggestions of a cultural problem at Princes Park.

‘MANAGEMENT MATTER’ PUTS SENIOR CARLTON STAFFER ON LEAVE

A senior Carlton staff member has taken leave while the Blues deal with a “management matter” relating to their employment at the club.

Officials at the Blues have made inquiries about the figure’s conduct in recent weeks amid concerns.

Carlton confirmed in a statement last night the senior staff member had taken leave.

The club will take time to work through the issue.

“The club can confirm it has been dealing with a management matter,” the statement said.

“While the club is not in a position to provide commentary on individual employees, the club wants to make clear this matter is in no way related to any gender-based misconduct and any such insinuations are inaccurate and misleading.

“The club’s first priority is, and always will be, its people and this is at the forefront on the club’s handling of this matter.”

The AFL and its integrity department are aware of the matter.