The AFL is facing criticism for approving veteran umpire Nick Foot to work for Sportsbet, the league’s gambling partner. Foot, who officiated last year’s grand final, will appear on Sportsbet’s racing show, Get On, broadcast on Racing.com starting in 2025. Despite the backlash from the football community, the AFL has justified the decision, stating that Foot’s role is unrelated to his on-field duties.
An AFL representative mentioned that Foot requested approval for this side role, which involves racing content only, ensuring there would be no conflict with his officiating responsibilities. The spokesperson emphasised, “If it had anything to do with football in any capacity, it wouldn’t have been approved.”
Foot, who has over 200 official AFL matches under his belt, has past experience in the racing industry, having worked previously with RSN. He confirmed his new role on social media, expressing excitement about joining the Sportsbet team in 2025. The situation has raised concerns about the ethics of having an umpire tied to a gambling entity, prompting discussions about the integrity of the sport and its officials.