The AFL Players’ Association has issued the following statement, attributed to the Agent Accreditation Board (AAB), in relation to the conduct of Connors Sports Management:
Connors Sports Management (CSM) has been found to have breached the AFLPA Regulations Governing Accredited Agents (Regulations), relating to conduct with prospective clients in the Talent Pathways. The process for approaching prospective players is clearly outlined in the Regulations. This process not only provides players and their families with the ability to manage how they are communicated with by agents but also aims to ensure a fair and equal process for all agents when contacting prospective clients.
The AAB found that, in October 2024, CSM had been in contact with a Talent Pathway player prior to date of approach eligibility and followed them on social media. Clauses 18.1.2 and 18.1.3 of the Regulations outline the process that all Accredited Agents must adhere to when making an approach to a player once they are of an eligible age. Specifically, clause 18.1.5 prohibits an Accredited Agent from approaching a player or their parents/legal guardians prior to 1 October in the year that the player turns 16. In addition, Clause 18.1.6 prohibits players being communicated with via social media until at least 3 days after an official approach is made by an Accredited Agent via the Agent Portal.
Having met to discuss this matter, the AAB is satisfied that the conduct (in approaching a prospective player before the official approach date and following them on social media) constitutes breaches of these Regulations.
The AAB has determined that a $5,000 financial sanction, immediately payable, is appropriate in all the circumstances.
The AAB had previously issued CSM with a $2,500 wholly suspended sanction in 2023 relating to a breach of the same section of the Regulations and similar conduct. The sanction at that time was suspended for 24 months, and CSM was notified that any further breach of the same or similar Regulations with the same or similar conduct within that 24-month period, by any CSM agent, would result in the sanction being issued.
Therefore, the AAB has also determined that the suspended sanction for the 2023 breach ($2,500) is no longer suspended and will instead be formally issued as a payable sanction.
On this basis, the total financial value of the sanction currently payable is $7,500. CSM will be donating this sanction to a charity of their choosing.
The AFLPA and the AAB remind all current and future Accredited Agents, as well as parents and guardians of prospective AFL and AFLW players, that these matters are taken seriously.
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