As the AFL wrangles accusations of secret drug testing, the prime minister has been urged to intervene and restore the code’s reputation.
On Tuesday, independent Tasmanian MP Andrew Wilkie told parliament about allegations against the Melbourne Demons club doctor Zeeshan Arain and football club president Glen Bartlett.
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Players who tested positive for drugs would fake injuries and withdraw from games to avoid match-day tests, Mr Wilkie revealed.
He claimed hundreds of thousands of Australians would watch games without knowing they had been “secretly manipulated” by the AFL.
But the president of the AFL doctors association, Dr Barry Rigby, has rubbished those claims.
In a statement, Rigby said the AFL’s medical model and provided “a structure of supportive care for the player” and had been for many years “based on trust and confidentiality between player and club doctor”.
He said the club doctors’ prime responsibility was, and always would be, “the health and wellbeing of the athlete”.
“The suggestion that this unique privilege has been somehow manipulated is simply not true. Such comments are disappointing, and represent a distortion of a process aimed at supporting player welfare,” Rigby said.
He said the approach was based on “empathy and support” and provided avenues for education and treatment.
“We maintain transparent communication with the AFL, ensuring that any substance use concerns are managed with discretion and in accordance with medical ethics, the AFL’s guidelines, and WADA’s code,” he said.
Meanwhile, Wilkie urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to intervene and “do everything he can to restore and protect the reputation of our beloved game”.
However, Albanese rebuffed the calls during Question Time on Wednesday.
“These allegations — I’m not aware of whether they are correct or not,” he said.
“I have a big job.
“On the job description isn’t the control of the Australian Football League.”
Wilkie also accused the Labor government of preventing him from tabling evidence of misconduct among AFL staff and executives after his move was voted down.
The prime minister said Wilkie should have gone to the person at the dispatch box in the chamber if he was serious about tabling the documents.
Mr Albanese said he was always open to discussion with other members.
“Sport Integrity Australia is aware of the issue and they have begun their assessment,” he said.
“I’m sure that (Mr Wilkie) will forward any documentation to the appropriate body.”
– With AAP