Collingwood Football Club has terminated the contract of forward Lachie Schultz following serious allegations of breaching the AFL’s betting rules. Schultz is now under investigation for reportedly placing bets on AFL matches, a direct violation of the league’s strict gambling policies.

The club acted swiftly upon learning of the allegations, releasing Schultz from his contract with immediate effect. Collingwood emphasized its commitment to upholding the integrity of the sport, stating, “We have a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of gambling that breaches the AFL’s rules and regulations.”

The AFL’s integrity unit has launched a full-scale investigation into the matter. If found guilty, Schultz could face a lengthy suspension, potentially ending his career in the AFL.

Schultz’s departure is a significant blow to Collingwood as they prepare for the upcoming season, leaving a void in their roster and raising concerns over the impact of gambling on the sport.