‘AFL Supports Controversial New Position for Senior Umpire Linked to Gambling Sponsor, Claims it’s ‘Unrelated to Football’

The AFL has come under scrutiny following the decision to have veteran field umpire Nick Foot on the payroll of the league’s gambling partner, Sportsbet.

Foot, who officiated at last year’s grand final, will appear on Sportsbet’s racing program, Get On, which is also broadcast on Racing.com.

This revelation has sparked outrage across the football community, yet the league has approved Foot’s involvement for 2025.

The AFL stated that as the role is unrelated to his on-field duties, they were comfortable granting approval to Foot.

An AFL spokesperson indicated that if the umpire’s additional role were to interfere with his responsibilities, the league would not have sanctioned it.

“He requested approval to create content that predominantly pertains to this role with Get On, which focuses on various aspects of racing, and we have greenlit it,” the spokesperson explained to The Age.

“His work is entirely unrelated to football; he will not be involved with (football) while with Sportsbet. He will be addressing topics related to racing, and that’s the extent of it.

“Had his role involved football in any form, it would not have received approval.”

Furthermore, Foot, who has officiated over 200 official AFL games, has experience in the racing industry, including a recent stint with RSN.

The AFL has confirmed that Foot sought and obtained approval prior to taking on his new role at Sportsbet.

He announced his position last week via social media.

“I’m excited to join @sportsbetcom.au in 2025,” he shared on social media platform X.

“I’ll be appearing weekly on the SB app and engaging more with the @Geton78 team.”