Luke Sayers has resigned as president of Carlton Football Club following a controversial post on his social media account was judged to have the result of his account being ‘compromised’ by the AFL integrity unit.
Having been in the position since 2021, Sayers and the AFL have both released statements on Wednesday afternoon in regard to the January 8th incident, which saw Sayer’s X account post an obscene image, tagging an executive from one of Carlton’s corporate partners.
The image was quickly removed and Sayer’s account shut down – with the Blues taking the matter to the AFL integrity unit to investigate.
The unit has found that Sayer’s account appeared to have been hacked, but that Sayers himself had not breached its rules around social media.
The Blues have endured a tough offseason during 2025. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
“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 AFL said in their official statement.
“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 integrity unit also acknowledge the “effect and distress caused to numerous individuals beyond those bound by the AFL rules and regulations”.
Despite being cleared of any wrongdoing, Sayers has decided to step away from the club, citing ‘deep regret’ for the individuals caught up in the controversy.
Carlton President Luke Sayers celebrates during the 2024 AFL Round 1 match between the Carlton Blues and the Richmond Tigers. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
“The past two weeks have been very tough for everyone who has been impacted by an unauthorised social media post,” Sayers’ expressed in his public statement on the issue.
“I did not post the image, either deliberately or accidentally.
“I fully cooperated with an independent inquiry by the AFL which concluded that access to my X account was compromised.
“I am aware of speculation that the naming of another person in the post explains why it happened. It does not, and that narrative is wrong. I am so sorry for the hurt that has caused.
“I deeply regret that many other people including my family, friends and colleagues, and my football club, have been caught up in this matter.
“That is why I have decided to step down as Carlton president and take some time away from work.
Leading the Carlton Football Club has been one of the great honours and privileges of my life. I leave knowing the club is in great shape, and with my deepest gratitude for its understanding and support.
“I will now deal with this away from the glare of the public and media spotlight. This decision draws a line in the sand.”