AFL mandates vaccines for players and football staff

The AFL will require all players and football staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19, unless they have a valid exemption.

The league unveiled its policy on the matter on Thursday.

AFL and AFLW players will be unable to fulfil their duties as a player if they aren’t vaccinated.

Clubs will be given four options to deal with any player or staff member who refuses.

1. Transfer the player to the inactive player list (meaning they can be replaced) and pay the player a reduced salary.
2. Keep the player on their playing list (meaning they can’t be replaced) and pay the player a reduced salary.
3. Mutually part ways with the player and tear up the contract.
4. Exercise any rights the club may have at law to terminate the player’s playing contract, but such rights are not to be exercised prior to May 18, 2022.

Press PLAY below to hear Paul Marsh from the AFLPA on 3AW