Channel 7 commentator Kane Cornes has stepped down from his role on the AFL All-Australian selection panel due to a policy change by Sportsbet. The bookmaker recently implemented a rule to no longer employ officials from any code, a move prompted by the controversy involving AFL umpire Nick Foot.
Conflict of interest
The All-Australian selection panel also votes on the Rising Star award, which can be bet on with Sportsbet. Given the potential conflict of interest, Cornes decided to resign from his official AFL role. He had been a member of the panel since 2022.
Nick Foot saga
Cornes' resignation follows Nick Foot's departure from Sportsbet after the Zak Butters tribunal incident. 7NEWS understands Foot was informed late last week that his services were no longer required by the betting giant. The AFL has consistently supported Foot and remained comfortable with his role as a horse racing analyst for Sportsbet.
In a statement provided to 7NEWS on Monday, Foot expressed gratitude for his time with Sportsbet. "My time with the Get On racing team is something I'll always value," he said. "Broadcasting racing, working alongside close mates, and interviewing the people who make the industry tick has been a genuine highlight. I'm a proud horse racing and umpiring person and continue to share a passion for both. Playing a small part in the AFL is a privilege, and I look forward to continuing to serve the game with professionalism in my role for years to come."
The Butters incident
Foot reported Port Adelaide's Zak Butters during the Gather Round loss to St Kilda at Adelaide Oval for abusive or insulting language towards an umpire. Foot told the tribunal that Butters asked him, "How much are they (St Kilda) paying you?" after a free kick was awarded to St Kilda. Butters strongly denied the comment but was found guilty by the tribunal, only for the matter to be thrown out by the appeals board on a legal technicality.
It is understood the Foot-Butters matter forced Sportsbet to change its internal policy, banning the employment of officials from any code. Foot has officiated 272 AFL games, including the 2024 grand final.
