The AFL has penalized clubs for COVID-related infractions, and Sydney apologized after being fined $100,000.
Swans, Collingwood, Richmond, Brisbane and St Kilda have all been sanctioned for failing to comply with the League’s COVID protocols.
The AFL says consequences were imposed for the violations, adding failing to perform an immediate antigen check (RAT) within specific time periods and uploading a symbol taken from a previous RAT conducted through that user or otherwise.
The $100,000 fine imposed on Sydney is the most serious penalty, and $50,000 of that fine will be included in next season’s comfortable cap that covers the department’s expenses.
Collingwood was fined $50,000, of which $25,000 will be included in this season’s or next year’s comfy cap.
Half of Richmond’s $25,000 fine will be included in the comfortable cap this year or next.
Brisbane and St Kilda were cautioned and fined $25,000.
The AFL’s general counsel and chief football officer, Andrew Dillon, says none of the clubs have earned competitive merit for their violations.
“While thirteen of the clubs met the requirements, all five clubs did not meet the requirements,” Dillon said last Tuesday.
“The sanctions imposed on them reflect the seriousness we take when it comes to the health and protection of players and the community at large. “
Sydney chief executive Tom Harley has apologised to the AFL and the rest for his club’s breaches.
“It is disappointing that our club has not fully adhered to those AFL protocols,” Harley said in a statement.
“This habit is far below the criteria we expect. “
“And we have made sure that the football club now understands the importance of this procedure well and has a good reputation. “
Dillon said the penalties came after a compliance audit conducted by the league.
In deciding the penalties, the AFL took into account the number of breaches, the number of violations and past violations of COVID protocols, he said.