In an effort to uphold the integrity of football across the region, AFL Central Victoria has concluded its 2024 Allowable Player Payments (APP) Integrity Review. This thorough review, conducted annually in conjunction with AFL Victoria, is to ensure that all affiliated clubs are complying with established CCSP rules and regulations.
The findings of the 2024 Integrity Review resulted in breach notices issued to three clubs: Kerang FNC, Hay FNC, and Birchip Watchem FC. Following a comprehensive investigation, AFL Central Victoria has confirmed breaches of player payment rules, resulting in the imposition of various sanctions on each of the affected clubs:
Disciplinary outcomes:
- Kerang Football Netball Club (Kerang FNC)
- Charges: Kerang Football Netball Club were issued 2 charges relating to sustained breaches of the player payment rules, which were referred to an AFL Central Victoria Player Payment Disciplinary Committee. The Hearing Committee and Integrity Officer acknowledge the full cooperation of the club president and officials throughout the review process.
- Outcomes: The Committee has determined the following penalties:
(a) The imposition of a monetary penalty on the offending club in the sum of $16,000.
- Of that sum, $10,000 is payable by the conclusion of the 2025 home and away season
- $6,000 is suspended until the conclusion of the 2026 home and away season, pending no further breaches of the PPR in either the 2025 or 2026 seasons
(b). A reduction in the salary cap for the 2025 and 2026 seasons in the amount of $10,000 (each season)
(c) An accredited AFL Victoria Integrity Officer is to complete a review of the charged club’s player payments for both the 2025 and 2026 seasons. The Charged club is to pay for the cost of both reviews
- Hay Football Netball Club (Hay FNC)
- Charges: The Hay FNC were issued 4 administrative breach notices relating to identified anomalies regarding the management of player payment rules, which were referred to an AFL Central Victoria Region Council
- Outcomes: The AFL Central Victoria Region Council determined the following penalties:
- Mandatory Attendance at the 2025 AFL Central Victoria CCSP Education Session
- Mandatory 2025 AFL Victoria Integrity Review (club to pay for the cost of review)
- Suspended Fine of $5,000 (for a period of 12-months)
- Formal Reprimand
- Birchip-Watchem Football Club (Birchip Watchem FC)
- Charges: The Birchip Watchem Football Club were issued 2 administrative breach notices relating to identified anomalies regarding the management of player payment rules, which were referred to an AFL Central Victoria Region Council
- Outcomes: The AFL Central Victoria Region Council determined the following penalties:
- Mandatory Attendance at the 2025 AFL Central Victoria CCSP Education Session
- Mandatory 2025 AFL Victoria Integrity Review (club to pay for the cost of review)
- Suspended Fine of $5,000 (for a period of 12-months)
- Formal Reprimand
Maintaining integrity in the game – at every level – is a shared responsibility. All leagues, clubs, and players are responsible for complying with established rules and regulations.
Moving forward, AFL Central Victoria will continue to monitor compliance closely and remains committed to supporting clubs through continued education, training, and access to resources to ensure compliance with CCSP requirements.