Drugs in sport rife: probe

Video will begin in 5 seconds.

Organised crime may be infilterating football, according to AFL Players' Association CEO Matthew Finnis.

A year-long government investigation has found widespread use of banned drugs in Australian professional sport and links with organised crime.

The findings are shocking and will disgust Australian sports fans.

The Australian Crime Commission released the findings of a 12-month investigation into the integrity of Australian sport and the relationship between professional sporting bodies, prohibited substances and organised crime.

Home Affairs Minister Jason Clare, Minister for Sport Senator Kate Lundy speak to the media during a joint press conference with sporting code representatives. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen

It said the links may have resulted in match-fixing and fraudulent manipulation of betting markets - and it was hopeful criminal charges would be laid.

Advertisement

The key findings of the investigation identified widespread use of prohibited substances including peptides, hormones and illicit drugs in professional sport.

It said that in some cases players were being administered with substances that have not yet been approved for human use.

More:
Drugs in sport rife: probe