AFL umpire Nick Foot has ended his employment at a betting agency, continuing the fall-out from the Zak Butters tribunal controversy.
Sportsbet confirmed on Monday that any current sports officials or administrators would no longer feature in their programming.
It emerged last month in the lead-up to the Butters hearing that Foot was working in Sportsbet’s racing coverage.
The AFL repeatedly backed Foot’s employment at Sportsbet. A league spokesperson on Monday referred media queries to the betting agency.
“Nick has appeared on our ‘Get On’ racing coverage in a racing‑only capacity,” a Sportsbet spokesperson said.
“Following feedback, we’ve decided to no longer feature any serving sports administrators or officials in our programming, to ensure clear separation from their official roles.
“We thank Nick for his work and wish him well in his umpiring career.”
There was no confirmation whether Foot had resigned or if Sportsbet had ended his employment.
The Seven Network also published a statement from Foot, who said his time at the agency was something he would always value.
Port Adelaide star Butters was referred to the tribunal and found guilty of abusing Foot in the Gather Round loss to St Kilda at Adelaide Oval. Butters was fined $1500.
There was no audio of the incident, and Butters strongly denied Foot’s claim he had asked the umpire, “How much are they paying you?”
Power teammate Ollie Wines was a witness for Butters at the hearing.
However, Butters was cleared when the appeals board ruled he was denied natural justice as tribunal member Jason Johnson was driving at stages of the hearing.
Foot has umpired more than 250 AFL games, including the 2024 grand final.
