Statement from David Jones, chairman of AFL's anti-doping tribunal

The tribunal today handed down its decision, which was unanimous, and reasons for the decision with respect to the alleged violation by 34 players of the AFL anti-doping code.

The tribunal was comfortably satisfied that the substance thymosin beta-4 was at the relevant time a prohibited substance under the code.

The tribunal was not comfortably satisfied that any player was administered thymosin beta-4.

The tribunal was not comfortably satisfied that any player violated clause 11.2 of the AFL anti-doping code.

The tribunal's decision in relation to the violations under the code alleged against a former Essendon support person will be handed down at a later date, together with reasons for that decision.

The tribunal's decision and reasons have been provided to the parties in accordance with the function performed by the tribunal.

That function does not include the provision of the decision and reasons to other persons. Any publication of the tribunal's decision and reasons is a matter for the parties.