The AFL's integrity arm has concluded its investigation into a lewd image being posted to the X account of Carlton president Luke Sayers, who has stood down from his role.
The post in question contained a sensitive image and included the tagging of an account linked to an executive of one of the Blues' corporate partners in the attached caption.
Following an investigation conducted by the league and aided by Sayers and Carlton, the AFL found that "access to Mr Sayers' X account was compromised".
The league has since declared Sayers did not breach any AFL rules.
"The AFL has today concluded its inquiries into a public social media post on Carlton President Luke Sayers' personal X account," the league's statement read.
"An image was briefly posted on 8 January 2025 with the public post ‘tagging' an executive from one of the club's corporate partners.
"The Carlton Football Club and the AFL became aware of the matter shortly after the post appeared with the AFL integrity unit making enquiries and providing appropriate assistance and support to those affected.
"The AFL has been in ongoing contact with Mr Sayers and his representatives, the Carlton Football Club and the club's corporate partner including the executive tagged in the post, who have all assisted the AFL in its inquiries.
"The Integrity Unit's inquiries, which included multiple interviews and review of other evidence, have now concluded and the AFL has found, based on the available evidence, that access to Mr Sayers' X account was compromised, resulting in the posting of the image (i.e. by a person not being Mr Sayers) and tagging of another person.
"Accordingly, the AFL has determined that Mr Sayers did not breach AFL Rules in connection with the posting of the image.
"Once he was made aware of the post, Mr Sayers immediately acted to have the image removed and to shut down his X account.
"The AFL wishes to thank the executive who was unwittingly tagged in the post, her cooperation and assistance throughout the inquiries have been extremely helpful.
"The AFL takes all matters of respect and responsibility seriously and when alerted to matters of concern there are professional processes in place to triage and work through such matters. These matters are very sensitive in nature, and we acknowledge the effect and distress caused to numerous individuals beyond those bound by the AFL Rules and Regulations."
Sayers has decided to stand down from his role as president of the Blues. He was first appointed to the position in August 2021, succeeding Mark LoGiudice, with Sayers serving a total of 12 years at Princes Park in an array of roles.
"Leading the Carlton Football Club has been one of the great honours and privileges of my life," Sayers said.
"I leave knowing the Club is in great shape, and with my deepest gratitude for its understanding and support.
"I deeply regret that many other people including my family, friends and colleagues and football club have been caught up in this matter."
Carlton vice-presidents Robert Priestley and Patty Kinnersly will step into a shared presidency role in the interim.